{"id":2009559,"date":"2026-06-25T04:53:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T01:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2009559"},"modified":"2026-06-25T04:53:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T01:53:32","slug":"consumer-prices-across-europe-which-countries-are-the-most-expensive-and-cheapest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2009559","title":{"rendered":"Consumer prices across Europe: Which countries are the most expensive and cheapest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/91\/29\/1200x675_cmsv2_36a2c281-89de-571b-b972-7568e05a065d-9809129.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2904568-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904568\" data-cid=\"9811774\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904568-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/17\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_d0207822-f436-5a50-9136-ce09e4da3ca9-9811774.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus? \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904640-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2904640\" data-cid=\"9812105\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904640-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/21\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_aa99b792-0607-5373-9b55-fe04ceb0b30a-9812105.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman and children go for water fountain in a park Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Paris. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave fuels record energy bills and lost wages\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904497-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2904497\" data-cid=\"9811363\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904497-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/13\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_884a1f49-b4e9-50eb-91ab-a9b5a3fb1d59-9811363.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hotels are a home away from home - but we could all behave a little better when we check in \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Residences<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Buffet raids and kettle laundry: Strange hotel guest habits revealed\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904662-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2904662\" data-cid=\"9812249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904662-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/22\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_81073867-26cd-5eb5-ac78-c821543fb534-9812249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The study found that seven of 10 widely used add-ons either had no measurable effect on fertility outcomes or were supported only by limited, low-quality evidence.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Costly IVF add-ons fail to show benefits, new study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904568-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904568\" data-cid=\"9811774\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904568-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/17\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_d0207822-f436-5a50-9136-ce09e4da3ca9-9811774.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus? \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904640-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2904640\" data-cid=\"9812105\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904640-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/21\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_aa99b792-0607-5373-9b55-fe04ceb0b30a-9812105.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman and children go for water fountain in a park Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Paris. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave fuels record energy bills and lost wages\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904497-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2904497\" data-cid=\"9811363\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904497-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/13\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_884a1f49-b4e9-50eb-91ab-a9b5a3fb1d59-9811363.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hotels are a home away from home - but we could all behave a little better when we check in \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Residences<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Buffet raids and kettle laundry: Strange hotel guest habits revealed\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904662-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2904662\" data-cid=\"9812249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904662-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/22\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_81073867-26cd-5eb5-ac78-c821543fb534-9812249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The study found that seven of 10 widely used add-ons either had no measurable effect on fertility outcomes or were supported only by limited, low-quality evidence.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Costly IVF add-ons fail to show benefits, new study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Business<\/p>\n<p>                          Economy<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Consumer prices across Europe: Which countries are the most expensive and cheapest?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/91\/29\/1536x864_cmsv2_36a2c281-89de-571b-b972-7568e05a065d-9809129.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Ein mit Waren gefuellter Einkaufswagen steht am 10. Juni 2009 in einem Supermarkt in Dresden. \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Ein mit Waren gefuellter Einkaufswagen steht am 10. Juni 2009 in einem Supermarkt in Dresden.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2009 AP. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2009 AP. All rights reserved.\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspServet Yanatma\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1782363212\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-06-25 06:53:32 +02:00\">25\/06\/2026 &#8211; 6:53 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        From Iceland to North Macedonia, consumer prices vary dramatically across Europe. New Eurostat data shows where everyday goods and services cost the most \u2014 and why prices alone do not tell the full story.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--business js-article-content\">\n<p>The same shopping basket can cost almost four times as much depending on where you are in Europe. But which countries are the most expensive, and how can they be compared fairly?<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Eurostat&#8217;s price level indices provide the answer. They compare the cost of consumer goods and services in each country with the EU average.<\/p>\n<p>In simple terms, if the same basket of goods and services costs \u20ac100 on average across the EU, how much would that basket cost in each country?<\/p>\n<p>To make the comparison representative, Eurostat bases the indices on annual national average prices for more than 2,000 goods and services.<\/p>\n<p>There are two ways of measuring prices. One looks only at what households spend directly, while the other also includes publicly funded services such as healthcare and education.<\/p>\n<p>This article uses the broader measure, known as Actual Individual Consumption (AIC), which Eurostat says is better suited to international comparisons. The chart also includes the household spending measure (HFCE).<\/p>\n<p>A price level of 100 matches the EU average. A score above 100 means a country is more expensive, while one below 100 means it is cheaper.<\/p>\n<p>These figures compare prices only. They do not take income levels into account, meaning a more expensive country is not necessarily less affordable for its residents.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>So, which countries are the most expensive and the cheapest?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Within the EU, the gap is striking. Luxembourg tops the list, while Romania has the lowest prices. Consumer prices in Luxembourg are 2.5 times higher than in Romania.<\/p>\n<p>When EU candidate countries and EFTA members are included, Iceland becomes the most expensive country and North Macedonia the cheapest, widening the gap to 3.7 times.<\/p>\n<p>Broadly speaking, Western and Northern Europe tend to have higher price levels, while Central and Eastern Europe remain cheaper.<\/p>\n<h2>Prices and earnings tell the full story<\/h2>\n<p>Iceland is 83.7% more expensive than the EU average, and Switzerland 81%.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe figures should always be read together with earnings. What matters for living standards is not whether prices are high but what a local wage buys locally \u2014 purchasing power, not the price tag alone,\u201d Professor Robert Inklaar of the University of Groningen told Euronews Business. <\/p>\n<p>For example, he noted that Switzerland looks expensive, but Swiss wages are high enough that purchasing power there is among Europe&#8217;s strongest; the same price level on a much lower wage would feel very different. <\/p>\n<p>Denmark (40.2%), Ireland (39.6%) and Norway (38.4%) are also among the most expensive countries in Europe, around 40% above the EU average. <\/p>\n<p>Sweden and Finland follow them, but their indices are comparatively lower. Prices are 28.4% higher in Sweden and 26.1% higher in Finland than the EU average.<\/p>\n<p>In the Netherlands, a consumer pays \u20ac120.4, in Austria \u20ac119, and in Belgium \u20ac118.1 for the same basket of goods and services, which costs \u20ac100 on average in the EU.<\/p>\n<h2>How Europe&#8217;s largest economies rank<\/h2>\n<p>Among the EU&#8217;s four largest economies, Germany is the most expensive, with prices 9.1% higher than the EU average, while Spain is 8.9% cheaper. That means a person would pay \u20ac18 more in Germany than in Spain for the same basket.<\/p>\n<p>France (106.4) is just above the EU average, and Italy (98) is just below.<\/p>\n<p>At the other end of the ranking, prices are significantly lower across much of south-eastern Europe.<\/p>\n<p>In North Macedonia, a \u20ac100 basket on the EU average would cost just \u20ac49.7, less than half. <\/p>\n<p>It would also cost \u20ac52.2 in Turkey, followed by Bosnia (\u20ac55.7), Romania (\u20ac58.9) and Bulgaria (\u20ac60). These countries are at least 40% cheaper than the EU.<\/p>\n<p>Montenegro (61), Serbia (62.5), Albania (65.7), Poland (71.1) and Hungary (71.6) are also among the cheaper countries, with prices at least 25% below the EU average.<\/p>\n<p>Countries that are also cheaper than the EU average include Croatia (76.3), Slovakia (81.4), Lithuania (81.4), Czechia (82), Greece (84) and Portugal (85.3).<\/p>\n<h2>What drives the differences in price levels?<\/h2>\n<p>&#8220;The biggest single reason prices differ across Europe is that wages differ, and wages are tied to productivity,&#8221; Robert Inklaar told Euronews Business.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Where workers are more productive they earn more, and those higher wages feed straight into the price of everything that has to be produced and consumed locally \u2014 a restaurant meal, a haircut, a dentist visit, rent, childcare. None of these can be imported, so their price simply tracks local labour costs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Inklaar points out that it would be a mistake to think this applies only to services. He notes that even goods that look fully tradable \u2014 such as the food on a supermarket shelf or a piece of clothing \u2014 carry a large local component: the shop, the staff, transport, and the rent on the premises. So local wages are baked into goods prices too, just less heavily than for services.<\/p>\n<p>Wages are not the only factor.<\/p>\n<p>He also said that distance, distribution, regulation and the border itself all add to the cost, so identical products do not end up at identical prices everywhere. Differences in VAT and other consumption taxes add a further wedge on top.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA fuller comparison, therefore, pairs the price level with wages or (disposable) income, ideally in purchasing-power terms, while keeping exchange-rate and tax differences in mind,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>Professor Rainer Maurer, retired professor at Pforzheim University, emphasised that the price levels of the European Monetary Union member states show a clear positive correlation with GDP per capita. <\/p>\n<p>In other words, Europe&#8217;s most expensive countries also tend to be its wealthiest. High prices often go hand in hand with higher incomes, which is why economists say price levels should always be considered alongside purchasing power.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2903184-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2903184\" data-cid=\"9805013\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2903184-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/50\/13\/480x270_cmsv2_4e4c7a31-5488-5b58-b0b7-237486f44d36-9805013.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Estate agents&apos; boards are seen in south London, Tuesday Feb. 17, 2009. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Average rents in European cities: Which countries are most expensive?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2898729-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2898729\" data-cid=\"9782440\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2898729-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/63\/47\/34\/480x270_cmsv2_4081cb01-e3c4-57c7-bc4c-724d0ab76479-9634734.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Annual net earnings in Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France or Germany: Where do workers take home more pay?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2853879-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2853879\" data-cid=\"9580312\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2853879-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/03\/12\/480x270_cmsv2_457dd4a4-4edc-589c-8361-52c153831951-9580312.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Food prices in Europe\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Food prices in Europe: Which countries are the most expensive?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Consumer Goods<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  cost of living<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  prices<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  expensive<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Euronews Compare<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904553-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904553\" data-cid=\"9811675\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904553-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/16\/75\/320x180_cmsv2_6c832235-6086-543c-9c8a-0102876b3351-9811675.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU proposes tax overhaul to cut business costs by \u20ac8 billion a year<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904642-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904642\" data-cid=\"9812110\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904642-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/21\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_78752c0b-85c7-5cfd-8131-9096b310e812-9812110.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    IMF to closely monitor China\u2019s economic growth amid trade tensions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904600-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904600\" data-cid=\"9811931\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904600-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/19\/31\/320x180_cmsv2_2ffc7b20-6a4a-5514-8dfe-c947db82ee81-9811931.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - The crude oil tanker Dubai Attraction is moored in the Mississippi River at the IMTT dock in Saint Rose, La., Thursday, 2 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Brent crude falls below $74 for first time since Iran war began<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904494-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904494\" data-cid=\"9811357\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904494-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/13\/57\/320x180_cmsv2_55c8ce1c-ded5-5b0a-b4a5-c17b7317a90c-9811357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An armoured personnel carrier, a Puma infantry fighting vehicle and a Leopard battle tank produced by pan-European defense company KNDS are displayed in Munich, 22 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Defence giant KNDS unveils IPO plans as valuation could top \u20ac15bn<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904514-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904514\" data-cid=\"9811545\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904514-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/14\/90\/320x180_cmsv2_25ec8703-e7f0-5d9b-9c57-816ef752fbde-9811490.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Delcy Rodr\u00edguez waves while waiting for Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on 24 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>  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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2903184-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2903184\" data-cid=\"9805013\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2903184-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/50\/13\/480x270_cmsv2_4e4c7a31-5488-5b58-b0b7-237486f44d36-9805013.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Estate agents&apos; boards are seen in south London, Tuesday Feb. 17, 2009. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Average rents in European cities: Which countries are most expensive?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2898729-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2898729\" data-cid=\"9782440\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2898729-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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President Ursula von der Leyen.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU proposes tax overhaul to cut business costs by \u20ac8 billion a year<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904642-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904642\" data-cid=\"9812110\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904642-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/21\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_78752c0b-85c7-5cfd-8131-9096b310e812-9812110.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    IMF to closely monitor China\u2019s economic growth amid trade tensions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904600-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904600\" data-cid=\"9811931\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904600-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/19\/31\/320x180_cmsv2_2ffc7b20-6a4a-5514-8dfe-c947db82ee81-9811931.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - The crude oil tanker Dubai Attraction is moored in the Mississippi River at the IMTT dock in Saint Rose, La., Thursday, 2 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Brent crude falls below $74 for first time since Iran war began<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article 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The myth explained<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904482-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904482\" data-cid=\"9811420\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u20ac2bn wasted? Germany scraps world\u2019s largest frigate project<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904393-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904393\" data-cid=\"9810760\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Airbus under scrutiny as EASA orders A380 inspections over wing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The same shopping basket can cost almost four times as much depending on where you are in Europe. But which countries are the most expensive, and how can they be compared fairly?Eurostat&#8217;s price level indices provide the answer. They compare the cost of consumer goods and services in each country with the EU average.In simple terms, if the same basket of goods and services costs \u20ac100 on average across the EU, how much would that basket cost in each country?To make the comparison representative, Eurostat bases the indices on annual national average prices for more than 2,000 goods and services.There are two ways of measuring prices. One looks only at what households spend directly, while the other also includes publicly funded services such as healthcare and education.This article uses the broader measure, known as Actual Individual Consumption (AIC), which Eurostat says is better suited to international comparisons. The chart also includes the household spending measure (HFCE).A price level of 100 matches the EU average. A score above 100 means a country is more expensive, while one below 100 means it is cheaper.These figures compare prices only. They do not take income levels into account, meaning a more expensive country is not necessarily less affordable for its residents.So, which countries are the most expensive and the cheapest?Within the EU, the gap is striking. Luxembourg tops the list, while Romania has the lowest prices. Consumer prices in Luxembourg are 2.5 times higher than in Romania.When EU candidate countries and EFTA members are included, Iceland becomes the most expensive country and North Macedonia the cheapest, widening the gap to 3.7 times.Broadly speaking, Western and Northern Europe tend to have higher price levels, while Central and Eastern Europe remain cheaper.Prices and earnings tell the full storyIceland is 83.7% more expensive than the EU average, and Switzerland 81%.\u201cThe figures should always be read together with earnings. What matters for living standards is not whether prices are high but what a local wage buys locally \u2014 purchasing power, not the price tag alone,\u201d Professor Robert Inklaar of the University of Groningen told Euronews Business.\u00a0For example, he noted that Switzerland looks expensive, but Swiss wages are high enough that purchasing power there is among Europe&#8217;s strongest; the same price level on a much lower wage would feel very different.\u00a0Denmark (40.2%), Ireland (39.6%) and Norway (38.4%) are also among the most expensive countries in Europe, around 40% above the EU average.\u00a0Sweden and Finland follow them, but their indices are comparatively lower. Prices are 28.4% higher in Sweden and 26.1% higher in Finland than the EU average.In the Netherlands, a consumer pays \u20ac120.4, in Austria \u20ac119, and in Belgium \u20ac118.1 for the same basket of goods and services, which costs \u20ac100 on average in the EU.How Europe&#8217;s largest economies rankAmong the EU&#8217;s four largest economies, Germany is the most expensive, with prices 9.1% higher than the EU average, while Spain is 8.9% cheaper. That means a person would pay \u20ac18 more in Germany than in Spain for the same basket.France (106.4) is just above the EU average, and Italy (98) is just below.At the other end of the ranking, prices are significantly lower across much of south-eastern Europe.In North Macedonia, a \u20ac100 basket on the EU average would cost just \u20ac49.7, less than half.\u00a0It would also cost \u20ac52.2 in Turkey, followed by Bosnia (\u20ac55.7), Romania (\u20ac58.9) and Bulgaria (\u20ac60). These countries are at least 40% cheaper than the EU.Montenegro (61), Serbia (62.5), Albania (65.7), Poland (71.1) and Hungary (71.6) are also among the cheaper countries, with prices at least 25% below the EU average.Countries that are also cheaper than the EU average include Croatia (76.3), Slovakia (81.4), Lithuania (81.4), Czechia (82), Greece (84) and Portugal (85.3).What drives the differences in price levels?&#8221;The biggest single reason prices differ across Europe is that wages differ, and wages are tied to productivity,&#8221; Robert Inklaar told Euronews Business.&#8221;Where workers are more productive they earn more, and those higher wages feed straight into the price of everything that has to be produced and consumed locally \u2014 a restaurant meal, a haircut, a dentist visit, rent, childcare. None of these can be imported, so their price simply tracks local labour costs.&#8221;Inklaar points out that it would be a mistake to think this applies only to services. He notes that even goods that look fully tradable \u2014 such as the food on a supermarket shelf or a piece of clothing \u2014 carry a large local component: the shop, the staff, transport, and the rent on the premises. So local wages are baked into goods prices too, just less heavily than for services.Wages are not the only factor.He also said that distance, distribution, regulation and the border itself all add to the cost, so identical products do not end up at identical prices everywhere. Differences in VAT and other consumption taxes add a further wedge on top.\u201cA fuller comparison, therefore, pairs the price level with wages or (disposable) income, ideally in purchasing-power terms, while keeping exchange-rate and tax differences in mind,\u201d he said.\u00a0Professor Rainer Maurer, retired professor at Pforzheim University, emphasised that the price levels of the European Monetary Union member states show a clear positive correlation with GDP per capita.\u00a0In other words, Europe&#8217;s most expensive countries also tend to be its wealthiest. High prices often go hand in hand with higher incomes, which is why economists say price levels should always be considered alongside purchasing power.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2026\/06\/25\/consumer-prices-across-europe-which-countries-are-the-most-expensive-and-cheapest&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/91\/29\/1200x675_cmsv2_36a2c281-89de-571b-b972-7568e05a065d-9809129.jpg&#8221;] Culture news Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus? Climate Europe\u2019s heatwave fuels record energy bills and lost wages Residences Buffet raids and kettle laundry: Strange hotel guest habits revealed Health news Costly IVF add-ons fail to show benefits, new study finds Culture news Global Beatles Day: Who was the walrus? Climate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2009559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2009559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2009559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2009559\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2009559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2009559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2009559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}