People in Spain are enjoying a far better quality of life than those in other parts of Europe, it has been revealed.

Research by uSwitch.com found that Spain ranks highly in many areas, as it offers a relatively low cost of living and favourable prices.

In addition, people in the country are living longer, enjoying more holiday entitlement and retiring earlier.

This could help to explain why Britain currently has the highest level of outwards migration in Europe, with many of those leaving heading to Spain.

Commenting on the findings, uSwitch said: “Spain fares well in most categories, with low taxation and cheaper essential goods such as petrol, energy and food.”

The country was also praised for offering the most hours of sunshine per year, as it get 80 per cent more than the UK.

This comes after the Post Office revealed that Spain is the cheapest of all the countries which use the single European currency.

The number of British people who are choosing to move abroad is rising, according to an expert.

Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, told the Daily Mail that a number of different issues are prompting Britons to relocate to a new home.

Speaking to the newspaper, he said emigration has doubled in the last couple of years, partly because people are attracted by potential lifestyle improvements overseas.

“People find the UK is getting more and more crowded and they see crime rates going up,” Sir Andrew commented.

He added that the recent economic slowdown in Britain has also contributed to a surge in the amount of outward migration.

According to the Spanish Property Owners Guild, many people from the UK are choosing to start a new life in Spain because they are dissatisfied with life at home.

The organisation highlighted a number of reasons for this trend, such as concerns over taxation, crime levels and the rising cost of living in Britain.

People who relocate to Spain may be able to enjoy reduced living costs, according to experts.

ShelterOffshore.com said the European country is currently very popular with retired expatriates from places such as the UK.

The website stated that upon setting up home in Spain, foreign nationals are finding that they are saving money in many areas.

For example, utility bills and food costs are lower, while many are also paying smaller amounts in tax than they were in the UK.

ShelterOffshore.com added that the fact Spain has a hot and sunny climate means people are not paying as much for central heating.

The website commented: “The cost of living is generally lower when you have less need for fuel to heat your home.”

According to the Institute of Public Policy Research, more than 3.3 million British pensioners are likely to be living abroad by 2050.

Spain has been flagged up as a popular destination for retired expats by Propertyfinder.com.

According to the website, the European country has attracted thousands of foreign retirees during the last ten years.

This was partially attributed to the fact that it offers many lifestyle attractions to people from overseas, such as a warm climate and improved quality of life.

Propertyfinder.com added that financial considerations have also played a part, as retirees want to enjoy low living costs and make the most of their existing wealth.

Nicholas Leeming, director of the online portal, commented: “The average over-60-year-old homeowning couple has £265,000 of housing equity to unlock from their home.

“This kind of money can go a long way.”

He added that since house prices in Spain are currently falling, expats could possibly snap up a bargain property in the country.

According to the Institute of Public Policy Research, more than 3.3 million British pensioners are likely to be living abroad by 2050.

A British expatriate has spoken to the BBC about his move from the UK to Spain’s Costa Blanca region.

Eric and Viola Summers relocated to Torrevieja back in 1999 and believe their lives have improved considerably as a result.

Speaking to BBC News, Mr Summers said the Costa Blanca offers a much better quality of life, partly because it has excellent weather.

He added that the region also has many cultural attractions, such as concerts and shows, as well as good public services.

In particular, the local hospitals were described as “tremendous”.

Mr Summers also believes he is financially better off in Spain than in the UK, even though both countries have been affected by issues such as rising fuel prices.

He commented: “We’re still much better off than we would be in England.

“If we were living there we’d have to be on benefits.”

This comes after Saga Travel Money suggested that expats save money by purchasing locally-sourced goods rather than imported items from home.