Britain is among worst in Europe for quality of life despite higher average incomes

The high salaries on offer here are cancelled out by spiralling bills and negatives in life expectancy, retirement age, annual leave and weather.

The findings will help explain the huge exodus of Britons chasing a better life. Some 41,026 fled in 2006, the highest level of emigration in Europe.

Gloomy: Our weather is one reason why emigration levels are highest in Europe

The survey weighed up published figures for France, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Poland.

It found that British families have the highest net income after tax, at £35,730 compared with an average of £25,404.

However the study’s authors argue that material wealth does not equate to a happier life.

Spain took the top spot despite families there having an annual net income of only £16,789 – £8,500 below the average and less than half that of the UK. France was placed second.

The study found that fuel prices in Britain are the second highest in Europe, with diesel at 18 per cent above average and unleaded petrol at 6 per cent more.

Our spending on gas is the third highest, with the annual price 49 per cent above the average.

In theory, the working hours in this country are in line with the rest of the EU at an average of 37 hours a week.

However, the study found workers have the shortest holiday entitlement at 28 days, a week less than the average.

The grim winters also drag down our mood, according to the study.

We receive 80 per cent less sunshine that Spain and some 17 per cent below the European average of 1,777 hours.

We have the third lowest life expectancy in Europe at 78.9, and the average retirement age is 63, five years later than in Poland.

The study by price comparison website uSwitch found that only Ireland has a lower quality of life than Britain.

Liberal Democrat treasury spokesman Vince Cable said: ‘There is now a real danger that as the economic downturn takes hold in the UK, we will once again become the sick man of Europe.’

Director of consumer policy at uSwitch, Ann Robinson, said: ‘Soaring food prices and inflation – not to mention high property costs – are placing the biggest squeeze on disposable incomes in well over a decade.

‘With below average investment in health and education, it appears that we are getting a raw deal from the government for the fruits of our labour.’

The winner, Spain, has seen a property price collapse. However, uSwitch said: ‘It fares well in most categories, with low taxation and cheaper essential goods such as petrol, energy and food.

‘The quality of life is boosted further by higher than average life expectancy, the most hours of sunshine and a generous holiday allowance.’