The average amount of money UK household spent per week on food and drink increased to £50.70 in 2008, according to a new report.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that the amount rose from £48.10 in 2007.
According to the report, average weekly expenditure on fuel for heating has also increased over the same period from £17.20 to £18.90.
The total weekly spend was £471 per week, up from £459.20 in the previous 12 months.
Figures recently released by finance specialist MGM Advantage revealed that retired people aged between 65 and 74 need to spend £429 more per year in order to enjoy the same standard of living they experienced 12 months ago.
The rising cost of living and money spent on heating could lead many people to seek out addition ways to fund their retirement.
This could see equity release schemes, which allow homeowners to access the vale of their assets, to rise in popularity.
