Alcohol and tobacco prices in Spain: how much are you paying?

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
prices of alcohol and tobacco in Spain compared to other EU countries

 

Whether you live in Spain or you visit the country for your holidays, it is good to know more about the price levels of some specific products. The price levels of alcohol and tobacco vary significantly across the EU, and Spain is no exception. The highest prices being 2.4 times higher than the lowest. These variations are influenced by factors such as taxes and labour costs.

According to Eurostat, the EU’s official statistical office, price levels for household final consumption expenditure varied significantly across the EU in 2023. Countries like Denmark and Ireland recorded the highest price levels. Meanwhile, Spain’s prices for goods and services remained relatively moderate and a bit below the EU-average.

Alcohol and tobacco prices: Spain vs. other EU countries

For alcohol and tobacco, one of the most variable categories, Spain’s prices are competitive. In 2023, the cost of alcohol and tobacco in Spain was below the EU average. This made it an attractive destination for those purchasing these products.  

In 2023, Iceland had the highest prices for alcohol and tobacco at 217% of the EU average, while N. Macedonia had the lowest at 66%. Spain’s prices were more affordable, providing better value compared to many northern European countries. This significant price variation is mainly due to differences in taxation on these products.

In the context of the EU, where the average price index is set at 100, Spain’s index for alcohol and tobacco was with 90% considerably lower. This means that residents and visitors in Spain can enjoy these products at a lower cost compared to many other EU countries.

Comparative costs in restaurants and hotels

Restaurants and hotels recorded the second largest price level differences. The highest prices were almost three times those of the lowest. The lowest prices were found in Bulgaria (52% of the EU average), followed by Romania (65%) and Hungary (72%). The highest prices were in Denmark (152%), followed by Finland (129%) and Ireland (128%).

Restaurants and hotels in Spain also offer competitive pricing. The cost of dining out and accommodation in Spain is lower than in countries like Norway, Finland, and Ireland, where prices are among the highest in the EU. Spain’s price level for this category is well-positioned with 83% of the EU average and , attracting tourists seeking both quality and affordability.

Clothing and other goods

Clothing prices in Spain are also quite favourable. With Spain’s price index for clothing at 81%, it is one of the more affordable countries in the EU for fashion. This is in stark contrast to countries like Switzerland and Iceland with 144 and 134 % of the EU average, where clothing is significantly more expensive.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages

The prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Spain are also reasonable compared to the EU average. While countries like Switzerland, Iceland and Norway have higher prices in this category, Spain offers a more affordable cost of living slightly below the EU average and remarkably above the UK price level of 92% of the EU average. 

Also see: Petrol and diesel prices in Spain down for the second week in a row

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