Eurostat has today released data that clearly highlight the persistent price disparities within the European Union.
In 2025, the price level for consumer goods and services ranged from 140% of the EU average in Denmark to 63% in Bulgaria. The highest prices were recorded in Denmark, Ireland and Luxembourg, while the lowest were observed in Bulgaria, Romania and Poland.
The differences are particularly stark in the housing sector — the largest single item of household expenditure. In Ireland, housing prices reach 190% of the EU average, compared to 41% in Bulgaria. This gap puts considerable pressure on household budgets in high-cost countries.
Education remains another sensitive area. Price differences here are the most extreme, ranging from 334% in Luxembourg to 42% in Romania. Such disparities directly impact access to quality education and social mobility across different parts of the Union.
In the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, price variations are less pronounced. Nevertheless, the overall picture indicates that EU economic integration has yet to result in a meaningful levelling of living conditions for households.
