Austrian households and firms can save up to €1,000 a year on groceries and 20% on electricity

A study by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK) compared baskets of 20 branded products with cheaper private‑label alternatives at the four major supermarkets Billa, Hofer, Lidl and Spar. The price gap reached €23 per basket, which could translate into annual household savings of up to €1,000 without sacrificing product quality. The greatest differences were seen at Billa and Spar, while Hofer showed the smallest gap but remained the cheapest overall. Prices were largely stable during the observation period, and the temporary VAT reduction contributed only a modest €2.45 saving per basket.

A separate factsheet from the Austrian Economic Chamber’s (WKÖ) Trade and Craft division examined electricity costs for small and medium‑sized enterprises. By switching to lower‑priced electricity tariffs or alternative suppliers, businesses such as carpentry shops, bakeries, butchers and plastics manufacturers could reduce energy expenses by up to 20 %. The analysis noted that Austria’s average electricity price (excluding taxes and network fees) is above the EU average, with Spain offering the lowest rates. The WKÖ provides tools for firms to benchmark their current rates against market offers and highlights EU‑wide relief measures.

Both reports underscore significant cost‑saving opportunities for Austrian consumers and businesses through price comparison and supplier switching.