Food prices in Bulgaria higher than in Romania, study shows

A study by Euronews Business reveals that food prices in Bulgaria are higher than in Romania, though lower than in Albania. The research highlights significant regional disparities, noting that bread prices can vary by more than three times between different countries.

Maia Manolova, president of the Bulgarian Commission for Consumer Protection, reported that retail markups for food products in Bulgaria reach as high as 135%. This high markup has led to a situation where certain products are more expensive in Sofia than in Berlin. Manolova noted that basic dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, are sold at much higher prices than their original country-of-origin costs.

According to Numbeo data from mid-2026, food price indices vary significantly across Europe. Switzerland remains one of the most expensive, with an index of 189.2, while Moldova is among the cheapest at 57.2. Other high-cost nations include Iceland, Norway, Luxembourg, and Denmark.