A traditional Christmas dinner now costs more than 30 per cent more than it did in 2021, according to campaign group Stop The Squeeze, but income in the city has gone up by just 14 per cent in the same period.
The median monthly income for people in Brighton and Hove is now £2,309, up from £2,029 in November two years ago.
It means the Christmas dinner bill has grown 2.2 times faster than wages in the area.
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, said: “While supermarket wars may mean some items are not as expensive as others this Christmas, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture.
“We can’t go on like this. Working people should not be struggling to put food on the table and buy presents for their family.”
He said a plan is needed to “jump start” the economy and added there is a need for a change of government.
Estimates from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebra) project the average household will spend £550 this Christmas, up from £480 in 2022.
It means this year’s festive bill would take up 24 per cent of the average person’s monthly salary in Brighton and Hove.
Cebra said one of the main drivers in rising costs this season is food. The analysis suggested the average household will spend £135 on food this Christmas, up by £26 compared with 2022.
“Other key components of the festive basket, including toys, games, and clothing, are expected to see expenditure around a fifth higher in 2023 than was the case in the prior year,” the independent economic consultancy said.
READ MORE: Worthing post box topper in Rowlands Road spreads festive cheer
A Treasury spokesman said recent ONS figures for November show inflation has fallen to 3.9 per cent.
“That was by no means guaranteed at the start of the year when inflation was in double digits, and is proof that our plan is working,” he said.
“But prices are still rising too quickly, which is why we have put in place one of the largest cost of living support packages anywhere in Europe and are supporting low paid workers.”
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