Brussels: Hotel and restaurant prices vary widely across Europe, with Switzerland topping the list as the most expensive country and North Macedonia the cheapest, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
Eurostat’s price level index compares the cost of restaurants and hotels across European countries using the EU average as a benchmark set at 100. Countries scoring above that level are more expensive than the EU average, while those below are cheaper.
Among 37 European nations surveyed, Switzerland ranked as the most expensive, with prices 71% higher than the EU average. A standard basket of hotel and restaurant services there would cost the equivalent of €171.
North Macedonia was the cheapest country overall, with prices around 50% below the EU average.
Within the European Union, Denmark recorded the highest prices for hotels and restaurants, at 48% above the EU average. Bulgaria was the least expensive EU country, with prices roughly half the EU benchmark.
Regional Price Differences
Nordic and Western European countries generally reported higher-than-average prices. Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France all ranked at or above the EU average.
By contrast, Eastern Europe and the Balkans were significantly cheaper. In Southern Europe, Portugal, Spain and Greece remained below the EU average, while Italy stood out as a higher-cost destination. Croatia was close to the EU benchmark, while Cyprus and Malta were slightly below it.
Why Prices Differ
Economists say labour costs are a key driver of price differences. Kristóf Gyódi of the University of Warsaw said hospitality wages, energy prices, VAT rates and commercial rent levels all play a role.
The European hospitality association HOTREC added that food inflation, regulatory costs and supply chain pressures also affect final prices, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Eurostat noted that the price index does not measure affordability, as it does not factor in income levels. While prices may be higher in wealthier countries, residents there may still be able to afford more hospitality services.
