There was a time when a fiver could go a long way.
A pint, a meal deal, even a trip to the cinema were all comfortably within budget. Of course, times have changed, and thanks to inflation, rising costs, and a bit of good old shrinkflation, many everyday items that were once considered cheap now feel like a splurge. Whether it’s a casual treat or a daily essential, prices have crept up, making that crisp five-pound note a little less powerful. These are some of the things you used to be able to get for under a fiver, but now, not so much — though of course, it should go without saying that this varies based on where you live in the UK!
1. A pint at the pub
There was a time when heading to the local meant you could comfortably get a pint with change to spare. Unfortunately, those days are long gone, especially in cities where the price of a pint has steadily climbed past the £5 mark. Even in smaller towns, finding a decent pint under a fiver is becoming a rare occurrence, and if you’re in London, you can forget about it entirely.
The rise in beer prices isn’t just about inflation; it’s also down to increasing production and energy costs, as well as higher business rates for pubs. Many landlords have had no choice but to pass these expenses onto customers, making a casual trip to the pub feel more like a financial decision than a laid-back night out.
2. A cinema ticket
Remember when you could rock up to the cinema, hand over a fiver, and still have enough for a bag of popcorn? Not anymore. Unless you’re lucky enough to catch a discount day at an independent cinema, a standard adult ticket now costs well over £5, with most major chains charging closer to £10 — more if you want a premium seat.
With streaming services offering films at home for a fraction of the cost, some people have cut down on cinema trips altogether. But for those who still love the big-screen experience, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for the days when a fiver could cover the entire outing.
3. Fish and chips
Fish and chips used to be the ultimate cheap and cheerful meal. A fiver would get you a generous portion with a side of mushy peas if you were feeling fancy. These days, unless you’re ordering the kids’ portion, it’s pretty much impossible to get the full meal for under £5, with many chippies now charging upwards of £8, if not more.
The rising cost of fish, potatoes, and even cooking oil has hit takeaways hard, with many having to increase their prices just to stay afloat. While fish and chips remain a British favourite, it’s no longer quite the budget-friendly meal it once was.
4. A McDonald’s meal
There was a time when £5 at McDonald’s could get you a meal, a drink, and possibly even a cheeky extra item from the saver menu. Now, a fiver might cover a burger and some fries, but if you want a full meal, you’ll need to dig deeper into your pockets.
Like everything else, fast food prices have been creeping up, and McDonald’s is no exception. Whether it’s higher ingredient costs or the impact of inflation, the days of a proper meal deal for under £5 are behind us. Even the Saver Menu isn’t as much of a steal as it used to be.
5. A Pukka pie
Once a staple of chip shops, football stadiums, and late-night hunger cravings, Pukka Pies have seen their prices rise in recent years. What was once a solid choice for a budget-friendly meal now often costs over £5, especially if you’re getting it with chips and gravy.
The price hikes are largely due to increasing production costs, with everything from flour to energy bills going up. While they’re still a go-to comfort food for many, they’ve officially crossed the line from “cheap and cheerful” to “slightly overpriced indulgence.”
6. A Greggs sausage roll (if you want more than one)
Greggs was once the home of the ultra-affordable lunchtime treat, with sausage rolls costing pocket change. While you can still grab one for a reasonable price (around £1.30 at the time of writing), buying a handy 4-pack — plus a coffee — will now easily tip you over the £5 mark.
It’s not just sausage rolls that have crept up in price; many of Greggs’ baked goods have seen increases due to rising ingredient and operational costs. It’s still one of the more affordable options on the high street, but it’s no longer the budget-friendly feast it once was.
7. A supermarket meal deal
For years, meal deals were the ultimate lunchtime hack — sandwich, crisps, and a drink for a neat £3 or £4. But as prices have gone up, many supermarkets have increased their meal deal prices, pushing them over the £5 threshold, especially for premium options.
Some supermarkets still offer basic meal deals for under a fiver, but if you’re after a fancy sandwich and a name-brand drink, you’re looking at closer to £6. The days of grabbing a full lunch for under £5 without thinking twice are fading fast.
8. A loaf of premium bread
Basic white loaves are still relatively cheap, but if you want a quality, wholegrain, or seeded loaf, you’ll struggle to find one for under £5. The cost of wheat, production, and transport has pushed prices up across the board.
Artisan bread and sourdough loaves now often cost £5 or more, making a simple loaf feel like a bit of a luxury. Even standard supermarket bread has seen noticeable price increases, making toast and sandwiches a pricier affair than before.
9. A multipack of chocolate bars
Once upon a time, you could grab a decent-sized multipack of chocolate bars for under a fiver. But with shrinkflation in full swing, not only have the sizes of bars decreased, but the prices have crept up as well.
Whether it’s Dairy Milk, Mars Bars, or KitKats, the days of bulk-buying your favourite chocolates for less than £5 are over. Supermarkets still run deals, but more often than not, you’ll be paying more for less. Even a sharing pack of revels is nearly £3.50, which is daylight robbery!
10. Cleaning products
Source: Unsplash Cleaning sprays, washing-up liquid, and even basic disinfectants have all seen price hikes in recent years. What was once a straightforward £5 shop for household essentials now often costs a whole lot more.
Inflation and production costs have played a big role in these increases, with even budget-friendly brands upping their prices. Keeping your home clean has never been so expensive.
11. A standard bus or train fare
Public transport prices have risen across the board, with single bus and train fares now often exceeding £5, especially in city centres. Gone are the days when you could hop on a train for a quick trip without thinking twice about the cost.
While discounts and travel passes help regular commuters, for casual travellers, transport prices are noticeably higher than they were a few years ago. What was once an easy and affordable way to get around now often feels like a splurge.
