Electricity and gas prices for households continue to vary widely across Europe, with residents in some cities paying several times more than others, according to the latest Household Energy Price Index (HEPI) data.
Energy prices rose sharply after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and later stabilised, but they remain above pre-crisis levels, the data shows.
On average, electricity, gas and other fuels account for 4.6 percent of total household spending in the European Union, according to Eurostat.
Electricity Prices Across Capitals
As of January 2, 2026, residential electricity prices ranged from 8.8 euro cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Kyiv to 38.5 cents per kWh in Bern. The EU average stood at 25.8 cents per kWh.
Among the most expensive cities for household electricity were:
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Berlin
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Brussels
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Dublin
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London
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Prague
Cities with the lowest electricity prices included:
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Kyiv
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Budapest
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Podgorica
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Belgrade
Electricity prices were generally lower in Central and Eastern European capitals, with some exceptions.
Purchasing Power Changes Rankings
When prices are adjusted for purchasing power standards (PPS), which account for income differences, rankings change significantly.
In PPS terms, electricity prices ranged from 10.9 in Oslo to 49 in Bucharest. While some Eastern European cities have lower nominal prices, weaker purchasing power means energy costs place a heavier burden on households.
Gas Prices Show Even Larger Gaps
Household gas prices also showed sharp differences. In January 2026, prices ranged from 1.6 cents per kWh in Kyiv to 35 cents per kWh in Stockholm.
Within the EU, Stockholm recorded the highest gas prices, while Budapest, at 2.6 cents per kWh, had the lowest.
Other cities with gas prices above the EU average of 10.6 cents per kWh included:
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Amsterdam
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Bern
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Lisbon
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Rome
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Paris
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Vienna
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Dublin
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Prague
According to HEPI, Sweden’s high gas prices are partly due to its small household gas market and limited network coverage.
Factors Behind Price Differences
HEPI said price differences are influenced by factors such as:
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Energy mix and reliance on gas or renewables
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Taxes and distribution costs
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Procurement and pricing strategies
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Weather conditions and storage levels
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Market interconnections
When adjusted for PPS, Stockholm remains the most expensive city for gas, while several Eastern European cities move higher in the rankings due to lower income levels.
The data shows that while Western and Northern European cities often appear expensive in euro terms, energy costs can be more affordable when income levels are considered.
