Current cost of living

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Hi,
Couldn't make my mind up if this should go in "Eating Out" or "Shopping" areas so I've put it here to see if anyone notices it.

I've been asking around about what the current costs of things are compared to last year. We go next month and are getting conflicting stories about the general cost of eating out or shopping. Some have said that it is "a lot" more expensive than last year.

Has anyone just returned and can let me know what they thought about prices in general ?

I know that the exchange rate less now but was wondering if you are actually noticing a big difference or not?

Thanks

[chrizzy100]

We eat out..I've had my oven in FL for 6 years and its never cooked a meal

[Katys Grandad]

On the plus side, the exchange rate impact is lessening because it's been at lower levels for over a year now and we've already taken the big hit on that. I think you'll find that, just as in the UK, there isn't an 'across the board' answer but day-to-day costs certainly appear to me to be higher this year.

Others may (and almost certainly will[msnwink]) disagree on that.

[Tonish]

I'm just back from some time in Rome and Ireland. The cost of eating out seems to have shot through the roof. Don't know how it compares at the moment in Florida, but it's hard to imagine that it could have hit the levels I've seen in Europe recently.

[roger]

We eat out usually twice a week and over the last couple of years haven't noticed any particular difference. If anything maybe $1-$2 on the overall bill for a typical meal for the 6 of us. Grocery shopping may have changed marginally but not that we have really noticed.

As said the biggest difference will be for those that last come over when there were $2 to the £1 and for the first few days are in the mentality of comparing all costs with the UK equivalent so they will initially think it appears quite a lot more than last time they were here. In Dollar terms I really don't think it's changed much from the average holiday spending money point of view.

[chrizzy100]

the cost of shopping is a lot higher in FL this year ..for the first time its cheaper to shop where I live in the US than in FL..

[SDJ]

Chrizzy, the original poster will not be comparing his shopping with anywhere in USA as he lives in UK. You may find it more expensive as you live in US and making the comparision between 2 US States.

As far as I am concerned, I totally agree with the other posters who have said it may seem marginally more expensive dependant on what the $ was to the £ when the original poster travelled previously, but compared to UK most things are still much better value and cheaper in Florida.

Sandra

[DLB-GOUROCK]

Thanks for all the comments back.

I think I was getting $1.97 when I was there last year.
It looks like there is not a dramatic difference in the costs of meals etc, but I have noticed that fuel is down quite a bit from my last visit, so there will be savings there.

Now counting the days,

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SDJ
Chrizzy, the original poster will not be comparing his shopping with anywhere in USA as he lives in UK. You may find it more expensive as you live in US and making the comparision between 2 US States.

As far as I am concerned, I totally agree with the other posters who have said it may seem marginally more expensive dependant on what the $ was to the £ when the original poster travelled previously, but compared to UK most things are still much better value and cheaper in Florida.

Sandra[/quote]I think cost is cost dear..I've been going to FL for years..and always found it much cheaper until this year..no matter where you are from if its more expensive its more expensive..my shopping bill in FL doubled in May from last year..and my FL spending money comes from a UK bank account just so you know that I've noticed its not going so far..and seeing as I live in one of the most expensive places to shop in the US I myself find my higher shopping bills in FL a bit worrying..because I see no reason for it..

[FraserLynn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DLB-GOUROCK
Thanks for all the comments back.

I think I was getting $1.97 when I was there last year.
It looks like there is not a dramatic difference in the costs of meals etc, but I have noticed that fuel is down quite a bit from my last visit, so there will be savings there.

Now counting the days,[/quote]So in summary, everything will be at least 15% dearer because of the exchange rate - how much prices have increased on top of this, could be anywhere between nothing and 100% depending on which answers you are inclined to believe..

All in all though, much better than when I was last there in Feb and getting 1.32 to the pound - that made everything feel very expensive.