Aug. 19, 2025, 6:19 a.m.
Cost of Living in France
How does France compare with other European countries in the price of food and consumer goods?
France Insider
Cost of Living in France
19th Aug 2025
How does France compare with other European countries in the price of food and consumer goods?
The European Union have recently published their annual review of price levels for consumer goods and services in Member States.
Denmark emerged as the most expensive country, with prices soaring 43% above the EU average, while Bulgaria offered the lowest prices, 40% below the average.
The price level indices, which compare countries' price levels relative to the EU average, were calculated using purchasing power parities (PPPs). These indices are important for understanding the real economic landscape, as higher relative prices can paint a misleading picture of an economy's health.
The data, sourced from Eurostat, covers over 2,000 consumer goods and services across 36 European countries, including the 27 EU member states, 3 EFTA countries, and 6 candidate countries. The UK was not included in the study.
The table below shows the overall comparison between the countries. Denmark is the most expensive country in the EU, with Bulgaria the cheapest. Overall, however, the most expensive country is Switzerland with Turkey the least expensive. France has a price index of 111, against an EU average of 100, making it the 9th most expensive country, as shown on the graphic below.
The report provides further price analysis by product group, with France in much the same overall position, although with some interesting differences by certain products.
The table below shows the price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol and tobacco, clothing and footwear. Once again, Denmark heads the table as the most expensive country, with Bulgaria continuing to prop up the table.
Whilst France is in 10th position overall, it is the 6th most expensive EU country for food and non-alcoholic beverages, the 3rd most expensive for alcohol and tobacco (mainly due to taxes on the latter), 14th for clothing and 19th for footwear.
Other tables shows France near the EU average (100) for energy costs and communications, but above the EU average for furniture, electronics and household appliances, restaurants and transport services (not all shown on the following table).
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