Posted on 12/19/2011 11:47:50 PM PST by bruinbirdman
A purchasing power survey published by Statistics Denmark today, which compares price levels in the 27 European Union countries, shows that prices in Denmark are 42 per cent above the EU average and give Denmark the most expensive household consumer prices in the Union.
Although consumer prices in Finland and Sweden are lower than in Denmark, these two come in as number two and three on the 27-country scale. German prices, on the other hand, are much lower at only five per cent above the EU average.
While rich countries have a tendency to place themselves at the high end of the table, less well-off countries such as Romania and Bulgaria are at the other end.
Apart from communications, almost everything is more expensive in Denmark – according to Las Olsen of Danske Bank some 140,000 kr. more expensive each year for an average family with children.
“We get less for our money. That means less prosperity for the Danes and worse competitiveness for businesses who have to pay high wages and more for their consumption,” Olsen says.
Foodstuffs and non-alcoholic beverages are particularly evident in the standings – Danish prices are 36 per cent above the EU average.
But the news in not all bad for Denmark. Norway and Switzerland, which are not members of the EU are more expensive than Denmark with both at 48 per cent above the EU average.
Consumer prices in EU countries
EU27 Average = 100
Denmark - 142
Finland - 124
Sweden - 122
Luxembourg - 121
Ireland - 119
France - 111
Belgium - 111
Netherlands - 108
Austria - 106
Germany - 104
Italy - 104
U.K. - 100
Spain - 97
Greece - 95
Portugal – 88
Cyprus – 89
Slovenia - 85
Malta – 78
Estonia – 75
Czech Rep. – 75
Slovakia - 72
Latvia - 72
Hungary - 65
Lithuania - 65
Poland - 62
Romania - 59
Bulgaria 51
Source: Statistics Denmark
I was in Switzerland in November. McDonalds in Zurich wanted 11.5 Swiss francs for a Big Mac. That’s a little over $12 US.
I’m in Italy. Gas is Euro 1.70 per liter..... One gallon is 3.8754 liters and today’s Euro rate is 1.318 (today). So gas is..... $8.70 per gallon. And yes a trip to Mickey D’s usually runs over Euro 10.00.
Whatever. The whole Playboy mag schtick of Northern Europe/Nordic girls being the ultimate prize is a busted myth.
Many look like a used up wrinkled gutter skank by the time they hit 35 from all the chain smoking, drugs, and “if it feels good, do it” lifestyle they are brainwashed with starting at age double digits.
I’ve spent time in those countries and I was unimpressed with the culture and attitude. The men were a bunch of wannebee girls tucking their johnsons in their crack and the women were meh.
I’ll bet many Danes are shopping in Germany. This could kill Danish retail.
Too bad the article doesn’t mention the causes of the disparities. I’m guessing taxes.
100% luxury taxes on things like, oh, cars don’t help the CPI of Denmark much...
Some years ago I had a conversation with a soon to-be-retired co-worker (also a diehard lib but a nice guy). He was a world traveler (currently lives in China), and I asked him what country he’d like to retire to if he could. He said Norway. According to him, Norway was the best country in the world. I asked him why. He said because the government does so much for the people. I asked him if he then was going to retire to Norway. He said no. I asked him why not if Norway was the best country in the world. He said “ because it’s too expensive to live there.” I then asked him why he thought it was the best country in the world if it was too expensive. He became exasperated with me and walked away.
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