Which EU countries are the cheapest to live in: comparing prices for goods and services

The European Union is often perceived as a single economic space, but daily expenses in different countries can vary significantly. Prices for food, utilities, transport, communications and restaurants determine the real cost of living and directly influence the choice of country for relocation or long-term residence. Find out which EU countries are the cheapest to live in

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The cost of living in European Union countries varies significantly, even with a common market and a single currency for some countries. Eurostat data shows that the difference in prices for basic goods and services between the most expensive and most affordable EU countries reaches tens of percent. This is important to consider for those planning to move, live long-term, or work remotely in Europe.

Overall price level: where to live cheapest

The Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) price index allows you to compare how much more or less expensive life is in different EU countries relative to the average (EU = 100).

In recent years, Denmark has been the most expensive EU country, with prices 41% higher than the EU average. At the opposite end of the ranking is Bulgaria, where prices were 39% below the EU average. This makes Bulgaria the cheapest EU country for everyday living in general.

The most affordable EU countries also include:

- Romania

- Hungary

- Poland

- Slovakia

- Croatia

These countries consistently show lower price indices for most categories of goods and services.

Food, alcohol, clothing and footwear: basic expenses

Food and everyday goods account for a significant share of the family budget, so the differences here are particularly noticeable.

▪️ The most expensive food and non-alcoholic beverages were in Luxembourg.

▪️ The highest prices for alcohol and tobacco were in Ireland.

▪️ The most expensive clothing and footwear were in Denmark.

When it comes to the cheapest EU countries:

▪️ Romania was the most affordable in terms of food prices;

▪️ Bulgaria was the cheapest in three categories at once — alcohol and tobacco, clothing and footwear.

Alcohol and tobacco products showed the greatest price variation, which is directly related to differences in excise duties and tax policies in EU countries.

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Electricity, furniture and appliances: where utility costs are lower

Electricity, gas and fuel prices have a significant impact on the cost of living, especially in winter.

▪️ Germany had the highest energy prices;

▪️ Hungary had the lowest, making it one of the most affordable EU countries in terms of utility costs.

In other categories:

▪️ the most expensive furniture is in Malta;

▪️ the most expensive household appliances are in Denmark;

▪️ the most expensive information and communication equipment is in France.

The lowest prices in the EU:

▪️ furniture — in Bulgaria;

▪️ household appliances — in Slovakia;

▪️ information equipment — in Italy.

Transport, communications, restaurants and hotels

Prices for services in the EU vary more than prices for goods, as wages and labour costs play a major role here.

▪️ Denmark has become the most expensive EU country for transport services and personal transport (due to high car taxes);

▪️ Belgium is the most expensive EU country for communications services;

▪️ Denmark also leads in terms of restaurant and hotel prices.

The most affordable EU countries:

▪️ Slovakia — for personal transport;

▪️ Bulgaria — for transport services, restaurants and hotels;

▪️ Romania — for communication services.

By choosing less popular but interesting cities, tourists can significantly reduce their expenses on food, transport, and accommodation. And if you are planning to travel by car, it is important to take out international insurance in advance. A green card, which can be easily purchased online at Visit Ukraine, will help you avoid fines and problems at the border and on the road.

Reminder! European countries are gradually revising their approach to supporting Ukrainians, changing social assistance rules and conditions of stay. What was considered standard state support a few years ago is now increasingly being restricted or transformed. Find out more about which countries are tightening conditions for Ukrainians and what to consider before moving.

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