Living in the UK today feels like a constant battle against rising prices.
It’s not just the big expenses — mortgages, rent, and energy bills — that are hitting harder; even everyday essentials are incredibly overpriced. You walk into a shop, pay for something without thinking, and then later realise, “Wait… why did that cost so much?” Whether it’s basic groceries or everyday services, some prices just don’t make sense anymore.
1. Meal deals that aren’t really deals anymore
There was a time when a meal deal felt like a bargain — three quid for a sandwich, snack, and drink, and you were set. Fast-forward to 2025, and some meal deals are creeping past £5, with premium options pushing towards £6 or more. At that point, is it even a deal?
With individual sandwich prices soaring and brands sneakily reducing portion sizes, the once-reliable meal deal now feels like a not-so-subtle way to empty your wallet for something that barely fills you up.
2. Streaming services that keep increasing their prices
Source: Unsplash Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Now TV — what started as a way to cut down on pricey Sky packages has turned into a subscription nightmare. Every few months, another service hikes its prices, and now, if you want to watch everything, you could easily be spending £50+ a month.
To make things worse, platforms are introducing adverts while still charging full price. Plus, sharing passwords is becoming a thing of the past, making it even harder to justify the cost. Streaming was meant to be the budget-friendly alternative, so why does it feel like a new version of overpriced cable TV?
3. A single pint at the pub
Once upon a time, a fiver could comfortably buy you a pint and leave you with change. These days, especially in cities like London and Manchester, £7 or £8 pints are becoming the norm. Some premium spots have even hit the £9 mark, which feels borderline offensive.
Factor in shrinking glass sizes (a sneaky move some places have tried) and the rising cost of ingredients, and suddenly a casual trip to the pub starts feeling like an investment. How did we get to a point where ordering a round feels like taking out a small loan?
4. Train tickets that cost more than flights
Public transport is supposed to be the sensible, eco-friendly choice, yet train ticket prices in the UK continue to defy logic. A return trip from London to Manchester can easily set you back over £100 if you don’t book weeks in advance.
Meanwhile, budget airlines still offer flights to Spain for half the price. It’s no wonder people would rather take a plane than pay an extortionate rail fare for a journey that’s often delayed anyway.
5. Takeaways that barely feel worth it
Ordering a takeaway used to be a guilty pleasure that didn’t completely break the bank. But now, even a simple Deliveroo order can leave you questioning your life choices. By the time you’ve added service fees, delivery costs, and tips, that £12 meal suddenly becomes £25.
Fast food is no longer cheap, either. A basic McDonald’s meal is edging towards £8, and “affordable” options like fish and chips are now over £10 in many places. It’s getting to the point where cooking at home isn’t just the healthier choice; it’s the only reasonable one.
6. Renting a basic flat
The cost of renting has gone from frustrating to downright ridiculous. In London, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat is pushing £2,000 a month, while other cities like Bristol, Edinburgh, and Manchester aren’t far behind.
Even outside major cities, prices keep climbing, making it harder than ever for people to save for a mortgage, or just afford a comfortable living space. The idea of renting as a “temporary step before buying” feels laughable when even shared houses cost a fortune.
7. Gym memberships that aren’t worth it
Remember when £20 a month was considered a fair price for a gym membership? Those days are gone. Many mainstream gyms now charge £50 or more, while boutique fitness classes can set you back £15 for a single session.
Meanwhile, budget gyms still exist, but they’re often overcrowded, with waiting times for machines and showers that barely work. At this point, buying a set of weights and exercising at home seems like the only logical option.
8. Parking fees that feel like daylight robbery
Trying to park in a city centre? Be prepared to fork out upwards of £5 an hour. Even hospitals — places people visit out of necessity — charge extortionate parking fees, often hitting £4 or more just for a short stay.
And let’s not forget airport parking. If you don’t pre-book, you might find yourself paying £30 a day just to leave your car somewhere while you go on holiday. At this point, parking is starting to feel like a luxury rather than a convenience.
9. Mobile phone contracts that trap you
Once upon a time, you could upgrade your phone without having to remortgage your house. Now, contract prices are creeping into the £50 – £80 per month range, especially if you want the latest model.
Many people are holding onto their old phones for longer because the idea of paying £1,000+ outright or being locked into an overpriced contract feels absurd. And even SIM-only plans aren’t as cheap as they used to be, making it feel like you’re paying more while getting less.
10. Cinema tickets that rival concert prices
Going to the cinema used to be a cheap night out, but now? Standard adult tickets are creeping past £15 in many places, and that’s before you even think about snacks. Want to watch something in IMAX or 4DX? Expect to pay closer to £20.
With streaming services offering new films at home for less, it’s no surprise that people are questioning whether cinema prices are worth it. It’s hard to justify when the cost of a family trip to the cinema could easily cover a month’s worth of home entertainment.
