time for the step? (Photo: Getty Images)

If the cold weather in the UK causes you to move to a sunnier and warmer climate, we don’t blame you.

And it looks like it’s a more frugal move, too.

New research suggests that it is actually cheaper for Britons to move and live in different European locations – rather than staying in the UK.

UK property experts Your Overseas Home compared the costs of everyday necessities, setting up a real home abroad and long-term living in seven of Europe’s most popular expat destinations: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece.

They then compared it to current life in the UK.

The results, published in the new Overseas Cost of Living Index, showed that when looking at average costs for the country as a whole (rather than by region), the UK is the most expensive.

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So where is the cheapest place to live?

Italy has emerged as the cheapest country to live in in the long run – with groceries costing less when it comes to basic necessities such as milk, bread, eggs, fruits, vegetables and toiletries.

In fact, a basket of 17 basic items costs around £48.82 – while in the UK it’s 40% more expensive.

Italy was also voted the cheapest place to live when comparing electricity, decoration materials, furniture and electricity, and the cost of hiring a local cleaner.

The results also showed that the average cup of coffee in the UK costs £3.20, but only £1.03 in Portugal and Spain – a difference of 220%.