Malta ranks 9th most expensive in Europe for food prices

Malta now sits among the most expensive countries in Europe for food, ranking 9th overall on the latest comparative price index of food and non-alcoholic beverages across 36 European markets. Based on Eurostat’s index with the EU average set at 100, Maltese food prices are roughly 10-12 per cent above the EU benchmark, reflecting a cost environment that is significantly higher than many Central and Eastern European countries.

Across the continent, the cost of food varies widely. At the top of the price ladder, non-EU states like Iceland, Switzerland and Norway lead with the highest levels, followed by Western European markets such as Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland and Austria. Malta’s ranking at 9th places it above France, Sweden and several other European peers, indicating that everyday food and grocery bills in Malta are noticeably higher than the average European consumer pays.

Amongst its EU counterparts, Malta ranked 6th.

Food represents one of the largest household expenses in Europe, averaging around 11.9 per cent of total household spending; in lower-price countries this share can rise even higher because cheaper food does not always mean greater affordability relative to income.

This elevated food price profile dovetails with Malta’s more recent inflation picture. The Retail Price Index (RPI) in Malta edged up to 2.7 per cent in October 2025, with food and services categories – including dining out and take-aways – leading the increase in consumer prices. While overall inflation remains moderate by European standards, food inflation continues to exert upward pressure on household costs.

These patterns are not unique to Malta; across Europe, food price inflation has been one of the key contributors to headline consumer price changes as energy costs have eased. Countries with higher wages, transportation costs and stronger consumer demand tend to see higher food price indices.

Despite these cost dynamics, Malta’s economy remains strong with low unemployment, robust domestic demand and healthy growth indicators underpinning consumer spending.

Economists often point out that food price levels must be viewed in tandem with income and purchasing power. High prices in Malta are partly a function of a relatively affluent economy and strong labour market – conditions that can support consumption even amid above-average costs.

European food price patterns and affordability

Across the EU, price disparities remain notable: Luxembourg and Denmark consistently rank among the most expensive for food, while Romania, Bulgaria and Poland feature at the more affordable end of the spectrum. These differences reflect structural factors such as transport costs, production capacity, tax regimes and consumption habits, as well as broader price level variations across countries.

While higher food prices can strain household budgets and business operating costs, Malta’s economic strength and employment conditions help cushion, in the least, some the impact.