Food Prices in Europe: North Macedonia Is the Cheapest, Switzerland the Most Expensive
Across Europe, grocery costs vary widely, with North Macedonia offering the lowest prices and Switzerland topping the list for the highest, according to Eurostat’s 2024 index
Food prices across Europe show significant disparities depending on the country, with the largest differences seen between North Macedonia and Switzerland. The Eurostat 2024 Food Price Level Index reveals that North Macedonia offers the most affordable groceries among 36 European countries, with a standard shopping basket costing just 73 euros—about 27% less than the European Union average. In contrast, Switzerland stands out as the priciest country, where the same basket reaches 161.1 euros, marking a 61% increase over the EU average.
Within the European Union, Romania boasts the lowest grocery prices at 74.6 euros, while Luxembourg holds the top spot for the most expensive basket at 125.7 euros. Among EFTA countries, Iceland and Norway are also among the costliest, with standard baskets exceeding 130 euros. Meanwhile, Southern and Southeastern European regions, including countries like Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Albania, remain well below the continental average.
Experts attribute these disparities to a variety of factors, such as production costs, supply chain efficiency, global economic shocks, wage levels, and tax policies. Consumer preferences also play a role in pushing prices higher in certain markets. While Eurostat’s data does not directly account for income, the findings suggest that even though high-income countries may better absorb higher food prices, similar increases can have far more severe impacts on lower-income households, highlighting ongoing issues of food affordability and access across Europe.
