According to recent surveys, London has become more affordable. It is no longer the second most expensive city in the world, but the tenth. To be honest, I’m not sure how true that is. Perhaps the other cities have just become more expensive.
I’ve lived in this fabulous city for the past 6 years. I moved here after graduating from uni with only a single backpack. The first summer was spent visiting museums and galleries, taking day trips out to Oxford and Rye, watching Shakespeare plays at the Globe theatre and doing other touristy things.
Life as a student or even an ex-student with a valid student card was grand, and I enjoyed many discounts. I lived in a long term hostel where the rent was reasonable, and I ate at Tuk Tuk which offered cheap and cheerful meals at less than £5.
But now that I’m (slightly) older, have a proper job and live in a proper flat, I am no longer eligible for student discounts and I no longer want to eat at Tuk Tuk. I like designer clothes (sometimes, I’m a fan of the British high street too) and I like eating out at nice restaurants.
That kind of lifestyle can start to get very expensive after a while, especially if you don’t earn a banker’s salary. I’ll admit it, I like vouchers and discount deals. I have no qualms about pulling out a coupon at a restaurant if it’ll save me 50% off the bill!
Over the years I’ve discovered many ways to save money, whether it’s eating out, public transit, groceries, theatre, or shopping. The deals are there if you’re willing to look for them! It seems like more and more daily deals and social buying websites keep popping up everywhere. Perhaps London is more affordable now, but only if you take advantage of the deals that are on offer.