Meat in Switzerland costs 2.3 times the EU average
The luxury goods aisle
Keystone
You might think twice before overcooking a load of steak, chops and sausages on the barbecue: meat costs 2.3 times more in Switzerland than the European Union average. The priciest EU country for meat, Austria, is 1.46 times the average.
The Swiss also dig deeper into their pockets than other European residents for other foods, but not as noticeably as with meat, according to latest figuresExternal link from the European Statistical Office, Eurostat.
External Content
Food in general costs 1.64 times more in Switzerland than the EU average. This is pretty much in line with the higher purchasing power in Switzerland.
Only milk, cheese and eggs are relatively affordable at 1.35 times the average price. Booze and tobacco are even less expensive: alcohol costs the Swiss 1.17 times more than the average European, tobacco 1.21 times more.
Whether the high prices play a role is not clear, but the Swiss don’t eat much meat compared with their neighbours: 52kg per person per year, according to industry umbrella group Proviande.
The EU average is 65kg, according to statistics portal Statista. Austrians consume 100 kilos per capita per year.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
Forum on peace in Nagorno-Karabakh to be held in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland must organise an international forum on peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as soon as possible.
Switzerland acts to plug gaps in civilian protection service
This content was published on
Switzerland beefs up civil protection service with laws that could draft in civil servants to fill long-standing gaps in personnel.
Swiss home electronics market shrinks for second year in a row
This content was published on
Sales in the Swiss home electronics market fell sharply for the second year in a row, with 2025 unlikely to be much better.
Why countries like Switzerland are being urged to eat less meat
This content was published on
The latest UN climate report recommends sustainable food habits to preserve the land and limit climate change. Switzerland is no exception.
This content was published on
Why is Swiss meat among the most expensive in the world? Farmers, consumer groups and industry experts all have their opinions.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.