Most Expensive and Cheapest EU Countries to Live In: Eurostat 2025 Rankings

Eurostat has published data on the level of consumer prices in the 27 EU countries for 2025 - find out where it is most expensive and cheapest to live in the European Union, how much housing, food and education cost in different countries of the bloc

Electronic road vignette for travel in Europe

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How much does everyday life really cost in different parts of the European Union? This is a question that worries both tourists and those considering moving or staying abroad for a long time. Eurostat regularly publishes price level indices that allow you to compare the cost of the consumer basket between countries - and the difference is striking.

According to Eurostat data, published in June 2026 based on 2025 figures, the level of prices for final household consumption in the 27 EU countries ranges from 63% to 140% of the average for the bloc. That is, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive countries is more than twice as large - and this is only within one economic union.

The most interesting data from the Eurostat rating, as well as where in Europe it is most expensive to live and where it is cheapest, are described in this article.

If you are planning a trip to Europe by car, take care of all the necessary documents in advance. An electronic toll vignette is a digital permit for toll motorways, which is mandatory in most EU countries. Without it, the driver faces a fine, even if he did not suspect that he had to pay a toll. You can quickly and conveniently apply for an e-vignette online - without queues and paper documents.

Where is the most expensive place to live in Europe in 2026?

The leader in terms of price levels is Denmark - its index is 140% of the EU average, which means that goods and services here are 40% more expensive than the European average. Ireland is in second place with an index of 136%, and Luxembourg is in third place with 132%. It is noteworthy that these three countries have traditionally held the top positions in the ranking for several years in a row. Outside the EU, it is even more expensive: Iceland, which is part of the EFTA group of countries, records the index at 174%.

Which EU countries are the cheapest to live in?

At the opposite pole is Bulgaria, where the consumer basket costs only 63% of the European average. Romania ranks second with an index of 65%, Poland third with an index of 73%. Together, these countries form a zone where the costs of everyday life are the lowest among all EU member states.

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Housing is the largest and most uneven item of expenditure

The most significant component of the household budget - housing costs - also shows the greatest variation between countries. In Ireland, this category exceeds the EU average by 90%, reaching 190% of the European average. In contrast, in Bulgaria, similar costs are only 41% of the average - almost five times less.

This gap is primarily explained by the difference in rental and maintenance costs, as well as climatic conditions that affect heating costs. The Irish property market remains one of the most expensive in Europe - a chronic housing shortage has been pushing up rental rates for years.

Read also: where is the most expensive place to buy an apartment in Europe.

Food: the most stable category

The second most important item of expenditure - food and non-alcoholic beverages - turned out to be the least volatile of all categories. Food prices in the EU vary, but not so strikingly: the highest level was recorded in Luxembourg - 122% of the European average, the lowest - in Romania, where products cost 20% less than the bloc average (80%).

Compared to 2024, when the range in this category ranged from 76% in Romania to 125% in Luxembourg, there have been no significant changes - the food market remains relatively stable even against the backdrop of general inflationary processes.

Education: the smallest category with the biggest gap

Education accounts for the smallest share of household spending at EU level, but it is the one that shows the biggest price contrasts. In Luxembourg, educational services cost 334% of the EU average – more than three times more expensive than the average. In Romania, it is only 42%, which is almost half the European benchmark.

This gap is due to different models of financing education: in some countries, private educational institutions form a significant share of the market and dictate the corresponding prices, while in others the state system covers the majority of needs.

Find out at what age Europeans buy their first home in the article at the link.

Energy and other categories

In the energy category among EU countries in 2025, Germany was the most expensive – 122% of the EU average, while Hungary was the cheapest with a figure of 39%. This significant gap reflects differences in the structure of the energy market, the level of subsidies and geographical dependence on certain sources of supply.

In 2024, total household spending at the EU level increased by 1.5% compared to 2023. The most noticeable increase was in spending on information and communication - by 5.7%, as well as on recreation, sports and culture and transport - by 3%.

In which countries does the population pay the most for electricity, why tariffs differ significantly and how the development of green energy affects prices, read our previous article.

What is important to remember about the cost of living indicator?

Price level indices do not take into account differences in income and wage levels between countries. This means that a formally “cheap” country may not be so profitable to live in if local wages are also significantly lower than the European average. At the same time, for those who receive income in euros and choose a place for a long stay or move, such comparisons become a practical guideline in budget planning.

In which European countries will there be the most vacancies in 2026, we tell you here.

Are you going to drive through several EU countries - from Poland to Austria or Luxembourg? It is worth knowing that the toll road system in each country is different, and the check for the presence of an e-vignette is carried out automatically by the vehicle's license plate. The lack of a valid document can result in a significant fine - especially in countries with strict control, such as Austria or Switzerland. That is why experienced travelers apply for an e-vignette before departure - it takes a few minutes, and it insures against troubles for hundreds of kilometers of the road

You can apply for an e-vignette for any of the countries on the route on the Visit World portal, quickly and without unnecessary stress.

Let us remind you! The European Union is getting closer to a decision on whether to end seasonal clock changes. We've already covered the stage the reform is at, when the final time changes could take place, and how the new rules will affect the lives of millions of Europeans.

Photo - generated by Gemini