As we approach the new year, January often feels like the perfect time to reset. After a festive season filled with indulgence, a detox can benefit not just your body, but your wallet and your wellbeing, too.
Whether you’re aiming to drink less or are sober-curious, Dry January could be the opportunity to save hundreds of pounds, while also improving your health.
Cutting back or quitting alcohol offers numerous benefits, including lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, reduced anxiety, and enhanced clarity and focus.
According to our new calculator, those considering giving up alcohol could save hundreds of pounds in just over a month, depending on how much you usually consume.
“I had an excellent experience working with my debt advisor. From our very first conversation, they made me feel heard and understood - never judged. They took the time to review my full financial situation, clearly explained my options, and helped me create a realistic, step-by-step plan to tackle my debt. ”
Jonathan
How much are you spending on booze each month?
December is a heavy social season, with two-thirds of the UK drinking more during this period and over half binge drinking on Christmas Day, according to Drinkaware.
UK Debt Expert has gathered data on the average cost of alcoholic beverages in the UK to reveal the true costs of alcohol that exceed the average national cost. Using this data, we’ve calculated how much the average Brit is spending—or could save – each month by cutting back on alcohol in 2025 for just one month.
Dry January savings: Crunching the numbers
Kicking the year off with a detox, UK Debt Expert found that the average person drinking eight pints of lager weekly could save around £218 a month just by cutting out booze, and white wine drinkers indulging in six medium glasses can expect to pocket up to £173 – or £146 if you prefer prosecco.
If gin and tonic is your go-to, ten single servings on the weekend might cost you about £105 per week—or nearly £420 a month – the cost of a mini-break in Europe.
Guinness lovers aren’t spared either, with eight pints a week costing £49, adding up to £195 a month – more than some household bills. Considering that the average cost of private rent in England has risen to £1,348 since November 2024, quitting alcohol for Dry January could even make the cost of living just a little bit lighter.
It’s not just the price of drinks that adds up – drunken impulse spending, like takeaways, hangover food, or even spur-of-the-moment flight and social gathering bookings, can also hit your wallet hard.
While budgeting for planned social activities like dinners with friends, it’s worth being mindful of how spontaneous outings, such as after-work drinks, can quickly inflate your expenses.
With 2025 on the horizon, participating in Dry January – or taking a break from alcohol during any month – could help you avoid overindulging, stay in control of your finances, and prevent some unnecessary debt.
Personal finance expert at UK Debt Expert, Maxine McCreadie, said:
“For many, Christmastime is the season to eat, drink and be merry. However, overindulging can lead to a festive financial hangover come the new year.
“People are continuing to feel the pinch of the cost of living, and reducing expenditure on drinks could significantly support your other financial priorities, helping to get back on track financially. This calculator may help people realise just how much they are spending weekly on drinks without realising it, and support better budgeting for the future.
“Plus, being financially aware of your drinking habits and costs may prove beneficial long term. If you find that your debts are becoming a problem, the most important step is to tackle the issue head-on. Speaking to friends or family can be a vital first step, but professional support is available to find the best long-term solution for your circumstances.”
Find out if your debts qualify
Check my eligibilityMethodology
UK Debt Expert looked at the cost of alcoholic beverages in 30 pubs across the UK, to create a national average of popular drinks.
The calculator factors in how much you are likely to drink per week, and then brings up a savings figure per week and per month.
Data accurate as of December 2024.
