Life in the UK is very different from life in the rest of Europe, although the United Kingdom and mainland Europe are only separated by the English Channel. There are significant political, economic, cultural, and climatic differences between the two, which have resulted in different living environments with distinctive characteristics. The UK, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern cities, offers a unique lifestyle and a rich cultural experience. The European continent, on the other hand, showcases a wealth of liveable options with a diverse range of climates, languages and customs. In this blog, we’ll analyse life in the UK and life in other European countries in-depth to give you a comprehensive impression of the differences between the two.
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Entertainment
Living in the UK and in other European countries will experience different entertainment and cultural life due to differences in geography, culture and customs although both have a long history and profound civilization.
Best Places to Visit in UK
If you live in the UK, the numerous historical heritage, museums and galleries, theatres, and music halls are all the best places to visit in the UK. Winding ancient roads and historic university towns bear witness to the accumulation of culture and knowledge while strolling among modern art and modern city life will make you marvel at the continuation of civilization and the vitality of life. Here is a list of some best places to visit in UK:
| Best Places to Visit in UK | |
|---|---|
| Location | Highlights |
| London | Tower of London, Buckingham Palace |
| Edinburgh | Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile |
| Bath | Roman Baths, Georgian Architecture |
| York | York Minster, Medieval Streets, City Walls |
| Liverpool | The Beatles Museum, Albert Dock, Cultural Scene |
| Oxford | University of Oxford and its beautiful colleges |
| Cambridge | University of Cambridge and its unique architecture |
| Lake District | Picturesque lakes and hills, ideal for hiking and relaxation |
| Stonehenge | Mysterious prehistoric monument |
| Stratford-upon-Avon | Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Tudor Buildings |
Best Places to Visit in Europe
Due to its long history and the Renaissance wave, Europe has left many precious traces of civilization on its vast continent. You can enjoy the myths, legends and philosophical ideas of ancient Greece, the fierce duels and advanced social systems of ancient Rome, and countless splendid palaces and churches with top-level construction. Here is a list of some best places to visit in Europe:
| Best Places to Visit in Europe | |
|---|---|
| Location | Highlights |
| Paris, France | Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral |
| Rome, Italy | Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum |
| Barcelona, Spain | Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Rambla |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Cruises |
| Vienna, Austria | Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna State Opera, Belvedere Palace |
| Prague, Czech Republic | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square |
| Budapest, Hungary | Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Thermal Baths |
| Florence, Italy | Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio |
| Berlin, Germany | Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island |
| Dubrovnik, Croatia | Old Town, City Walls, Rector’s Palace |
Other Entertainment: UK vs. Europe
Of course, there is much more to British and European entertainment than that. If you want to have a richer entertainment life and experience more different attractions and entertainment activities, you can refer to the following table:
| Other Entertainment in UK vs European Countries | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | United Kingdom | France | Germany | Italy | Spain |
| Museums and Galleries | British Museum National Gallery Tate Modern |
Louvre, Musée d’Orsay Centre Pompidou |
Berlin National Museum German Historical Museum |
Vatican Museums Uffizi Gallery |
Prado Museum Reina Sofia Museum |
| Theaters and Music Halls | Royal Opera House National Theatre London Philharmonic |
Comédie-Française Paris Opera |
Berlin Philharmonic Frankfurt Opera |
La Scala Milan |
Gran Teatre del Liceu Madrid Royal Theatre |
| Libraries | British Library Bodleian Library Cambridge University Library |
National Library of France Paris Municipal Library |
German National Library Munich City Library |
National Central Library of Florence Vatican Library |
National Library of Spain Barcelona Library |
| Music Festivals | Glastonbury Festival Edinburgh International Festival BBC Proms |
Paris Music Festival Rococo Music Festival |
Berlin Philharmonic Festival Munich Music Festival |
Verona Music Festival Rome Music Festival |
Barcelona Music Festival Madrid Jazz Festival |
| Sports Events | Wimbledon Tennis Championships London Marathon Premier League |
French Open Tour de France |
Munich Oktoberfest Berlin Marathon |
Serie A Football League Milan Marathon |
La Liga Football League Barcelona Marathon |
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Weather
Weather in UK
The weather in UK has a reputation for being variable and wet, influenced by its geographical location and climate zones. According to the Met Office, the average annual rainfall in the UK is around 885 millimetres, and the average number of days of rainfall is 133 between 2000 and 2020. Temperature-wise, winters are warm and humid, while summers are relatively cool. The average annual temperature in London ranges from around 11°C to 15°C, with high summer temperatures usually not exceeding 25°C, while winter lows are usually above 0°C. Overall, the UK’s climate is characterized as wet, mild and variable.
Weather in Europe
Weather in Europe is diverse across the continent due to the influence of the sea, topography and the vastness of the land. The Mediterranean region has hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters. In northern Europe, the climate is cold, with snow in winter and cooler in summer. Central Europe has four distinct seasons: warm in summer and cold in winter. The Atlantic coast, including the United Kingdom and parts of Western Europe, has a mild and rainy climate, which is influenced by the maritime climate. The climate in Eastern Europe tends to be continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Overall, Europe has a diverse climate, ranging from the sunny Mediterranean to the cold northern European winds.
| Weather in Europe | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region | City | Climate Type | Winter Average Temperature | Summer Average Temperature | Annual Average Temperature | Annual Precipitation | Average Rainy Days per Year |
| Western Europe | Paris | Oceanic (Cfb) | 3°C | 18°C | 10°C-15°C | 640 mm (25 in) | 111 days |
| Central Europe | Berlin | Oceanic (Cfb) | 4°C | 17°C | 4°C-17°C | 570 mm (22.4 in) | 130 days |
| Southern Europe | Barcelona | Mediterranean (Csa) | 10°C | 22°C | 10°C-22°C | 600 mm (23.6 in) | 60 days |
| Northern Europe | Oslo | Subarctic (Dfc) | -1°C | 14°C | -1°C-14°C | 1,100 mm (43 in) | 220 days |
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Food
While food may not be the primary factor in most people’s choice when considering which country to live in, it is one of the factors that we must take into account. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat”. Eating style and eating habits greatly influence both the health and emotional status of individuals.
Food in UK
The British diet is characterized by simplicity and practicality and traditionally focuses on nutrition and satiety. Classic dishes include “fish and chips”, “English breakfast” (including fried eggs, sausage, bacon and beans), and “Shepherd’s pie”, which is usually based on meat, potatoes and vegetables. Britain is also famous for its roast meals, such as Sunday roast, which is often served with baked potatoes, carrots and brown sauce. Although traditional dishes are dominated by heavy flavors, in recent years, the British diet has gradually incorporated multicultural influences to enrich the food choices.
| Food in UK | |
|---|---|
| Food | UK |
| Staple Foods | English breakfast Fish and chips |
| Traditional Dishes | Roast dinner Shepherd’s pie Fish and chips |
| Desserts | Pudding Scones Apple pie |
| Snacks | Sandwiches Fried fish sticks |
| Beverages | English tea Beer Cider |
Food in Europe
As for food in Europe, in other European countries like France, Italy and Spain, food shows more variety and delicacy. French cuisine is known for its fine pastries and complex dishes such as escargot and French onion soup. Italy, on the other hand, is famous for its pasta and pizza, with rich regional flavours and exquisite desserts such as tiramisu. Spain, on the other hand, features a wide range of tapas and stews, such as paella, with an emphasis on sharing and communal dining.
| Food in Europe | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food | France | Italy | Germany | Spain |
| Staple Foods | French bread French bakes |
Pasta Pizza |
Sauerkraut German rye bread |
Paella Spanish omelette |
| Traditional Dishes | Snails French onion soup |
Roast suckling pig Risotto |
Pork knuckle German sausages |
Spanish stew Jamón Ibérico |
| Desserts | Macarons Clafoutis Crème brûlée |
Tiramisu Cannoli |
Black Forest cake Apple pie |
Cheesecake Churros |
| Snacks | Crêpes Cheese platter |
Antipasti (Italian appetizers) | Sausages Pretzels |
Tapas |
| Beverages | Wine Champagne |
Italian wine Espresso |
Beer Apple wine |
Sangria Spanish wine |
Overall, living in the UK will allow you to experience a more traditional and down-to-earth style of eating while living in Europe will allow you to enjoy a rich cultural heritage with its unique flavour and delicate dining habits.
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Work
The UK and other European countries have thriving economies that offer many job opportunities and different choices for people both at home and abroad. Different countries and regions in Europe, due to their different levels of economic development and social systems, also have big and small differences in work.
Average Average Salary in UK vs. Europe
| Average Average Salary in UK vs Europe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | Occupation | Average Annual Income (approx.) |
| United Kingdom | Software Engineer | £40,000 – £55,000 (€46,000 – €64,000) |
| Doctor | £60,000 – £80,000 (€69,000 – €92,000) | |
| Teacher | £30,000 – £40,000 (€34,500 – €46,000) | |
| Nurse | £28,000 – £35,000 (€32,000 – €40,000) | |
| Germany | Software Engineer | €50,000 – €65,000 |
| Doctor | €70,000 – €90,000 | |
| Teacher | €40,000 – €50,000 | |
| Nurse | €35,000 – €45,000 | |
| France | Software Engineer | €45,000 – €60,000 |
| Doctor | €65,000 – €85,000 | |
| Teacher | €35,000 – €45,000 | |
| Nurse | €32,000 – €40,000 | |
| Italy | Software Engineer | €40,000 – €55,000 |
| Doctor | €60,000 – €75,000 | |
| Teacher | €30,000 – €40,000 | |
| Nurse | €28,000 – €35,000 | |
| Spain | Software Engineer | €35,000 – €50,000 |
| Doctor | €55,000 – €70,000 | |
| Teacher | €30,000 – €38,000 | |
Working Hours in UK vs. Europe
| Working Hours in UK vs Europe | |
|---|---|
| Country | Average Weekly Working Hours |
| United Kingdom | 36 – 38 hours |
| Germany | 34 – 36 hours |
| France | 35 hours |
| Italy | 36 – 38 hours |
| Spain | 37 – 39 hours |
Holidays and Benefits in UK vs. Europe
| Holidays and Benefits in UK vs Europe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | Union Benefits | Annual Leave (days) |
| United Kingdom | Varies by union; typically includes legal support, collective bargaining, and training. | 28 days (including public holidays) |
| Germany | Strong union presence; benefits include strong legal support, negotiation for better working conditions, and additional services. | 20 – 30 days |
| France | Comprehensive union benefits including strong labor rights protection and support services. | 25 days |
| Italy | Unions provide legal support, collective bargaining, and additional services. | 20 – 30 days |
| Spain | Unions offer legal aid, negotiation for benefits, and support services. | 22 – 30 days |
In general, these main countries have a high salary level, low unemployment rate and complete welfare system. Britain, Germany, France and Switzerland pay more attention to work quality and efficiency, while Nordic countries generally emphasis more on the balance between work and life. Also, with a higher level of cost of living in UK, the average salary in UK turns out not to be much higher than that in other developed European countries.
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Cost of Living
Housing, food and transportation constitute the three major expenses in our daily life. Besides, the cost of education cannot be ignored. Although the economic status and income level of major European countries are relatively high, and the per capita annual income of many countries is higher than that of the United Kingdom, you will find that the cost of living in the United Kingdom is generally much higher than that of other European countries.
Cost of Living in UK
| Cost of Living in UK | |
|---|---|
| Category | United Kingdom |
| Housing | Generally high; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center around £1,200/month (€1,400). |
| Food | Higher; average monthly grocery costs for one person around £250 (€290). |
| Transportation | High; monthly public transport pass around £150 (€175). |
| Education | Public education is free; higher education fees around £9,000/year (€10,500). |
Cost of Living in Europe
| Cost of Living in Europe | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Germany | France | Italy | Spain |
| Housing | Moderate; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center around €1,000/month. | High; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center around €1,200/month. | Moderate to high; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center around €900/month. | Moderate; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center around €850/month. |
| Food | Moderate; average monthly grocery costs for one person around €200. | Moderate; average monthly grocery costs for one person around €220. | Moderate; average monthly grocery costs for one person around €200. | Lower; average monthly grocery costs for one person around €180. |
| Transportation | Moderate; monthly public transport pass around €80. | Moderate; monthly public transport pass around €75. | Moderate; monthly public transport pass around €55. | Lower; monthly public transport pass around €40. |
| Education | Public education is free; higher education fees around €1,000/year. | Public education is free; higher education fees around €200 – €1,000/year. | Public education is free; higher education fees around €1,000/year. | Public education is free; higher education fees around €1,000/year. |
Life in the UK vs. Europe: Education
UK vs. Europe: Education system
| Education System in UK and Europe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aspect | UK | Other European Countries |
| Degree Duration | Undergraduate: 3 years (4 years in Scotland) Master’s: 1 year |
Undergraduate: 3-4 years Master’s: 2 years |
| Course Focus | Specialized from the start | Often broader, with more flexibility in course selection |
| Tuition Fees | Generally high, especially for international students | Generally lower, with some countries offering low or no fees for international students |
| Assessment | Primarily final exams and dissertations | Includes a mix of final exams, coursework, and continuous assessment |
| Entry Requirements | Typically A-levels or equivalent | Often based on high school diploma and national exams |
The education system in the UK and other European countries also has some differences. The UK education system emphasizes specialization, with shorter undergraduate courses leading to quicker access to careers, but may limit students’ other learning opportunities. In contrast, European education systems offer longer, more flexible study cycles and allow for a wider range of studies, and tuition fees are often lower, making education more accessible. In Europe, there are various assessment methods, including final exams, coursework and continuous assessment, while in the UK, the main reliance is on final exams.
Top 10 universities in UK
| Top 10 Universities in UK | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | Strengths | Tuition Fees (Local Students) | Tuition Fees (International Students) | Accommodation |
| University of Oxford | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Business | £9,250 | £30,000 – £40,000 | Most accommodation provided, approx. £4,000 – £8,000/year |
| University of Cambridge | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Engineering | £9,250 | £30,000 – £40,000 | Most accommodation provided, approx. £4,000 – £7,000/year |
| Imperial College London | Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Business | £9,250 | £34,000 – £40,000 | On-campus accommodation, approx. £6,000 – £8,000/year |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Law | £9,250 | £22,000 – £30,000 | Off-campus accommodation, varies by area, approx. £6,000 – £8,000/year |
| University College London (UCL) | Medicine, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture | £9,250 | £25,000 – £35,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. £5,000 – £8,000/year |
| University of Edinburgh | Medicine, Science, Social Sciences, Engineering | £9,250 | £24,000 – £32,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. £4,000 – £6,000/year |
| University of Manchester | Science, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences | £9,250 | £21,000 – £28,000 | On-campus accommodation, approx. £4,500 – £7,000/year |
| King’s College London | Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Medical Research | £9,250 | £28,000 – £35,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. £5,000 – £7,000/year |
| University of Bristol | Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences | £9,250 | £22,000 – £30,000 | On-campus accommodation, approx. £5,000 – £7,000/year |
| University of Warwick | Business, Engineering, Mathematics, Social Sciences | £9,250 | £21,000 – £28,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. £4,000 – £6,000/year |
Top 10 universities in Europe
| Top Universities in Europe | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | Key Strengths | Domestic Tuition Fees (per year) | International Tuition Fees (per year) | Accommodation Details |
| ETH Zurich | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Architecture | CHF 1,298 (€1,206) | CHF 1,298 (€1,206) | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. CHF 400 – CHF 800 (€370 – €740)/month |
| LMU Munich | Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences | € 0 | €1,500 – €4,000 | On-campus accommodation, approx. €200 – €400/month |
| University of Copenhagen | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences | DKK 5,000 (€670) | DKK 120,000 – DKK 140,000 (€16,000 – €18,800) | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. DKK 3,000 – DKK 5,000 (€400 – €670)/month |
| University of Amsterdam | Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Law | € 2,314 | €8,000 – €15,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. €300 – €800/month |
| University of Heidelberg | Medicine, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences | € 0 | €1,500 – €3,000 | On-campus accommodation, approx. €250 – €400/month |
| University of ETH Lausanne | Engineering, Architecture, Management | CHF 1,298 (€1,206) | CHF 1,298 (€1,206) | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. CHF 400 – CHF 800 (€370 – €740)/month |
| Sorbonne University | Humanities, Sciences, Engineering | € 170 | €10,000 – €12,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. €250 – €500/month |
| University of Barcelona | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering | € 3,000 | €6,000 – €12,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. €300 – €600/month |
| University of Milan | Medicine, Social Sciences, Engineering, Humanities | € 900 | €3,000 – €7,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. €250 – €500/month |
| University of Vienna | Humanities, Social Sciences, Law | €1,500 ) | €6,000 | On-campus and off-campus options, approx. €300-€600 per month |
It is evident that the UK has more world-renowned universities, high-quality education, abundant educational resources, and English as the language of instruction. However, tuition and accommodation fees are significantly higher. In Europe, while there are relatively fewer well-known universities and generally a need to learn a new language, but the quality of education is also high, tuition and accommodation costs are lower, and the academic programs often have longer duration.
Student Accommodation in UK vs. in Europe
Student accommodation in the UK vs. Europe varies in terms of price and style. European universities typically offer reasonably priced and well-organized student accommodations, whereas UK universities provide a range of options, from university halls to private rentals, normally at a higher price.
If you want to rent off-campus housing for more private spaces, you can find a cost-effective room through uhomes.com with utility bills included and the highest cashback guaranteed whether you tend to find student accommodation in London, Bristol, and Manchester in the UK and or student accommodation in Paris, Florence, Milan, Barcelona and other cities in Europe.
Conclusion
Life in the UK and Life in Europe varies from culture, entertainment, weather, food to work, cost of living, education and so on, and how to choose depends on individual preferences. The UK has a rich concentration of historical and cultural sites and modern cities, and a large number of world-renowned top universities can provide the highest quality of education, but the cost of living and education in the UK is much higher than that of European countries. Other major European countries have high quality but relatively low cost education, a rich variety of natural scenery and customs, and a fine and varied cuisine. Whether you live in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, you can enjoy a number of benefits with different experiences.
FAQ
Where is better to live, the UK or mainland Europe?
It depends on your preferences. Choose UK if you want to enjoy modern lifestyle and high living standards, or if you aim to pursuing the highest quality education in best universities with enough funds. Choose other European countries if you love travelling around, food and diverse cultures, or if you want to have high-quality education but don’t have a large budget.
Is the UK or Germany better to live?
Choosing between the UK and Germany depends on your priorities. The UK offers high-quality education and English-speaking environments but has a higher cost of living. Germany provides lower living costs, excellent healthcare, and a strong job market, but requires learning German. If you value affordability and a strong work-life balance, Germany might be better; if you prioritize top universities and an English-speaking environment, the UK could be preferable.
Is it cheaper to live in the UK or Europe?
In general, it is cheaper to live in Europe. European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands all have higher per capita incomes than the UK, but the cost of housing, food and education in the UK is generally much higher than in other major European countries.
