EU food prices up 34% since 2021 – Bulgaria cheap overall, but barely for groceries
Food in the EU costs 34% more than in August 2021, according to Eurostat data analysed by Euronews. Bulgaria is the cheapest EU country overall but only 7% below average for food.
Symbolic image · Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages in the European Union rose 34% between August 2021 and August 2026, according to Eurostat data analysed by Euronews Business. The amount of food a gross monthly minimum wage can buy fell by 4% in France, 5% in Spain and 6% in Malta, but rose in most other countries studied, the analysis found. The comparison excludes taxes, rent and other household costs.
On overall price levels, Bulgaria remains the cheapest EU country: according to Eurostat flash data for 2025, consumer prices there stand at 63% of the EU average, followed by Romania (65%) and Poland (73%). Denmark is the most expensive EU member at 140%.
Food is a different story. Bulgaria stands at about 93% of the EU average, only some 7% cheaper. Czechia and Poland are at 90%, Slovakia at 83% and Romania at 80%. Food is most expensive in Luxembourg (122%), Denmark (121%) and Ireland (116%), according to Eurostat data published by Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute.
This article is for information only and is not legal, tax, financial or medical advice. Figures as of the date stated.