(24 June 2014) – In 2013, price levels for consumer goods and services differed widely across Member States – from 48% of the EU28 average in Bulgaria to 140% in Denmark.
Denmark (140% of the EU28 average) had the highest price level, followed by Sweden (130%), Luxembourg and Finland (both 123%). Price levels of 10% to 20% above the EU28 average were found in Ireland (118%), the United Kingdom (114%) and the Netherlands (110%), while Belgium and France (both 109%), Austria (107%), Italy (103%) and Germany (102%) had levels less than 10% above the average.
Price levels at around 30% to 35% below the average were observed in the Czech Republic, Latvia and Slovakia (all 71%), Croatia (68%) and Lithuania (65%), and levels at around 40% below in Hungary (60%), Poland and Romania (both 57%). The lowest price level was found in Bulgaria (48%).
Price levels for food and non-alcoholic beverages in 2013 ranged from 62% of the EU28 average in Poland to 140% of the average in Denmark. Differences in price levels between Member States were less pronounced for this product group than for the total of goods and services.
Clothing and consumer electronic are two groups of products showing a smaller price variation among Member States. With the exception of Denmark (155% of the average), price differences among Member States were also limited for personal transport equipment. For restaurants and hotels, price variations were more significant, with price levels ranging from 47% of the average in Bulgaria to 149% of the average in Denmark.