The data have been compiled from a 2012 survey of prices for 500 comparable items in 37 European countries, which were then measured against an EU average.
Norwegians pay 89% more than the average for food and non-alcoholic drinks. Food prices there were also much higher than those in the country ranked second on the list, Switzerland, where prices were 55% higher than the EU average.
Denmark comes third, at 43% above the average, followed by Sweden (24% above), Austria (20%) and Finland (19%).
The researchers pointed out that some of the difference in food prices could be explained by exchange rate fluctuations – indeed, the currencies in Switzerland, Norway and Sweden had all appreciated against the euro in recent years.
The data reveal that the price of a basket of groceries in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which has the lowest food prices in Europe, is about three times cheaper than a comparable basket in Norway.
“Among the EU Member States, Poland is the most inexpensive country for all sub-categories,” Eurostat said. “Denmark is the most expensive EU country for all products except for fruits, vegetables and potatoes for which the highest prices are observed in Sweden.”
Prices in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were 42% below the EU average, while Polish prices were 39% below average.
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