Living in Spain and commuting to London 'cheaper than actually working in London'
Research conducted by Tessa Jowell found those who work in London could save more than £4,000 a year by living in Madrid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The idea of moving to Spain has just become a little more enticing - if not in any way practical.
New research has found it is potentially cheaper to commute to London from Madrid than actually live in the English capital.
By moving to the Spanish city, those who work in London would save £403 a month, despite having to fly into the capital from Monday to Thursday.
The research, from Labour Mayoral candidate Tessa Jowell, found that a Londoner who worked in Liverpool Street spent £2,016 a month on rent and travel expenses.
Living in an average one-bedroom flat in Camden made up the majority of the cost at £1,893. The rest of the sum was made up by £111.40 on council tax and £123.30 on a zone 1-2 travel card.
But a fully-furnished apartment with air-conditioning in Madrid cost just £532, as well as flights to London Stansted airport and train tickets, would only amount to £1,725 per month.
In total, the move to Spain could save £4,836 a year.
“The housing crisis is getting worse all the time – and renters are paying the price,” said Jowell.
“Londoners are now paying so much to landlords that they could be better off commuting from Madrid than staying in London.”
Jowell added that housing in London would be one of her first priorities if she was elected as Mayor next year.
“We’ve talked about London’s housing crisis for too long – now it’s time to deliver the change that London needs. If become Mayor, I’ll set up Homes for Londoners on my first day in City Hall to finally bring the housing crisis under control and get our city building again.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments