Irish prices on consumer items second highest in EU

Price levels in Ireland for alcohol and tobacco are more than double the EU average, new data shows

In terms of food and non-alcoholic drink, Ireland had the third highest prices in the EU.

The prices households pay in Ireland for everyday items were the second highest in Europe last year, only behind Denmark, and 38% higher than the average across the bloc, new data from Eurostat shows.

Eurostat said price levels for household consumption expenditure “differed widely” across the EU, with prices in Denmark being 43% higher than the average. Luxembourg was in third place with prices 33% higher than the EU average.

In terms of food and non-alcoholic drink, Ireland had the third highest prices in the EU.

When it comes to restaurant and hotel prices, Ireland ranked second — again behind Denmark. Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary recorded the lowest price levels in this area.

Ireland also ranked third when it came to prices paid for personal transport equipment and placed 10th for prices of consumer electronics.

However, when it came to clothing prices, Ireland was slightly cheaper than the EU average.

Ireland was a significant outlier in one category, which may have contributed to high placement on the list. Price levels in Ireland for alcohol and tobacco are more than double the EU average and three times higher than Bulgaria, which has the cheapest prices in this category.

High price levels for alcohol and tobacco were also recorded in Finland, 75% higher than the EU average, and France, 37% higher.

The lowest price levels were registered in Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland.

Eurostat said the large price variations on these products were mainly due to differences in taxation.