New shocking statistics show Ireland as one of the most expensive places to live in Europe as the cost of living wreaks havoc on people’s pockets.
Ireland, alongside Denmark, had the highest price levels for consumer goods and services across the EU in 2021, according to the stats.
The data was published today and showed price levels here were 140% of the EU average with hotels and restaurants representing the biggest jump.
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Denmark came out as the most expensive country, with prices hitting 155% of the EU average. It was followed by Sweden at 137% and Finland at 133% - while Ireland was 129.5%.
Another area where prices saw a stark difference was alcohol and tobacco. Ireland was the most expensive at 205% of the average, with Finland in second at 173% and Sweden at 136%.
The results show that Bulgaria was the cheapest country at just 64% of the average, followed by Poland at 72% and Hungary at 79%.
According to the experts at Eurostat, the juxtaposition in prices is down to the differences in the taxation of alcohol and tobacco from country to country.
Meanwhile, Ireland is at 119% of the EU average for the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks while Luxembourg is the highest at 125%.
The cheapest country was Romania at 69% of the average, with Poland coming in second at 72% of the average.
These statistics come as Ireland's cost of living reaches new heights, and many families struggle to keep up with their monthly expenses.
Over the weekend, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Ireland to insist that government take action in controlling price hikes.
The protest was called for by the Cost of Living Coalition which is made up of Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, Dublin Council of Trade Unions, and more.
Meanwhile, in a bid to ease the pressures mounting on the public, Micheál Martin branded the upcoming Budget in October 2022 as the “cost of living Budget”.
The Taoiseach promised to deliver a “comprehensive” strategy that would have a real impact for people this year.
However, the public will have to hold tight until then as Mr. Martin said there will be no emergency budget or extra cost of living relief measures being introduced before October.
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