A 2025 study analyzed the cheapest cities to visit in Europe by calculating the average price of a series of products, services, and activities. Overall, Riga, in Latvia, ranked as the cheapest European travel destination, with an average daily cost of around *** British pounds. Vilnius, in Lithuania, followed in second place, with an average cost of roughly *** British pounds per day.

How much more expensive are houses in European capital cities than in the rest of the country? Of all the capital cities in Europe, prices in Paris had the highest disproportion to the national average in 2023. A new house in the French capital cost more than ***** times the price of a house outside the city. This was followed by Barcelona, Munich and Athens.

A table comparing the cost of living in various European Union countries, including expenses for rent, utilities, food, and transportation in major cities

Geneva stands out as Europe's most expensive city for apartment purchases in early 2025, with prices reaching a staggering 15,720 euros per square meter. This Swiss city's real estate market dwarfs even high-cost locations like Zurich and London, highlighting the extreme disparities in housing affordability across the continent. The stark contrast between Geneva and more affordable cities like Nantes, France, where the price was 3,700 euros per square meter, underscores the complex factors influencing urban property markets in Europe. Rental market dynamics and affordability challenges While purchase prices vary widely, rental markets across Europe also show significant differences. London maintained its position as the continent's priciest city for apartment rentals in 2023, with the average monthly costs for a rental apartment amounting to 36.1 euros per square meter. This figure is double the rent in Lisbon, Portugal or Madrid, Spain, and substantially higher than in other major capitals like Paris and Berlin. The disparity in rental costs reflects broader economic trends, housing policies, and the intricate balance of supply and demand in urban centers. Economic factors influencing housing costs The European housing market is influenced by various economic factors, including inflation and energy costs. As of April 2025, the European Union's inflation rate stood at 2.4 percent, with significant variations among member states. Romania experienced the highest inflation at 4.9 percent, while France and Cyprus maintained lower rates. These economic pressures, coupled with rising energy costs, contribute to the overall cost of living and housing affordability across Europe. The volatility in electricity prices, particularly in countries like Italy where rates are projected to reach 153.83 euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, further impacts housing-related expenses for both homeowners and renters.

This statistic shows the average price for a scoop of ice cream in selected European cities in 2018. The price comparison between the European cities shows that the highest prices for ice cream exist in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. In May 2018, a scoop of ice cream in Copenhagen cost 3.79 euros on average.

Geneva, Switzerland, was the most expensive city to buy an apartment in Europe in the first quarter of 2024. The square meter price in Geneva was nearly 15,650 euros in that quarter, about 2,000 euros higher than the second city in the ranking, Zurich. Cost of rent Rents across the major cities in Europe increased significantly in 2023. One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all help keep rental prices increasing. Mortgage rates The average mortgage interest rates across Europe in 2023 were all under five percent, except in Czechia, Romania, Hungary, and Poland. On an individual level, a difference of one percent would most likely mean thousands of euros in interest on the mortgage a person is paying, making timing key in house purchasing. Mortgage interest rates tend to be lower in Nordic countries due to the financial stability and reliability of its borrowers. Other factors that influence the mortgage interest rates include inflation, economic growth, monetary policies, the bond market and the overall conditions of the housing market. More stable markets also tend to have higher average prices.

Table showing the country rankings based in the different metrics analysed

Amsterdam is set to maintain its position as Europe's most expensive city for apartment rentals in 2025, with median costs reaching 2,500 euros per month for a furnished one-bedroom unit. This figure is double the rent in Prague and significantly higher than other major European capitals like Paris, Berlin, and Madrid. The stark difference in rental costs across European cities reflects broader economic trends, housing policies, and the complex interplay between supply and demand in urban centers. Factors driving rental costs across Europe The disparity in rental prices across European cities can be attributed to various factors. In countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, a higher proportion of the population lives in rental housing. This trend contributes to increased demand and potentially higher living costs in these nations. Conversely, many Eastern and Southern European countries have homeownership rates exceeding 90 percent, which may help keep rental prices lower in those regions. Housing affordability and market dynamics The relationship between housing prices and rental rates varies significantly across Europe. As of 2024, countries like Turkey, Iceland, Portugal, and Hungary had the highest house price to rent ratio indices. This indicates a widening gap between property values and rental costs since 2015. The affordability of homeownership versus renting differs greatly among European nations, with some countries experiencing rapid increases in property values that outpace rental growth. These market dynamics influence rental costs and contribute to the diverse rental landscape observed across European cities.

In most European cities, energy prices constituted the main share of the residential end-user electricity price in February 2024. Energy price shares are among the highest in the capital cities of Cyprus, Malta, and Ireland, which are largely reliant on energy imports. Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Brussels account for the largest share of energy taxes in the region. In the Danish capital, for instance, energy taxes -including VAT- represented 47 percent of the residential electricity price. Household electricity prices around the world Italy and Germany have some of the highest electricity prices in the world. Heavily reliant on natural gas imports, these two countries were profoundly stricken by the 2022 energy crisis. Overall, Western Europe is the most expensive region for household power purchases, while many large energy producing countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia offer their residents the cheapest average rates. Heating gas prices in European cities In terms of residential use gas prices in Europe, Stockholm was the most expensive city in January 2024. Inhabitants of Sweden's capital paid for gas nearly 40 percent more than consumers in Bern, Switzerland, which ranked second. Imports dominate Sweden's gas supply.

According to the European Backpacker Price Index for 2025, Eastern and Central European destinations dominated the ranking of the most affordable cities for backpacking in Europe. In January 2025, the source included Kyiv as the cheapest destination on the list. It then specified that the Ukrainian capital was never a popular destination for backpacking – and it is unlikely that it will welcome many tourists any time soon – but it reported the lowest average daily cost among the analyzed cities. Meanwhile, the average daily cost in Sofia, based on a cheap hostel, budget meals, the price of public transport, and a limited budget for entertainment, amounted to roughly 39 U.S. dollars.

According to the European Backpacker Price Index for 2025, Zurich in Switzerland was the most expensive destination for budget travelers. The average daily cost in that city – based on prices for a cheap hostel, budget meals, public transport, and a limited budget for entertainment – amounted to almost 164 U.S. dollars as of January 2025. In comparison, the same trip to Budapest, one of the most affordable cities for backpacking in Europe, would have cost less than 50 U.S. dollars per day.

This statistic shows the most affordable cities in Europe for travel ranked by daily public transportation costs in 2017. According to Price of Travel's European Backpacker Index, Kyiv in Ukraine lists as the cheapest city for public transport at 24p a day. Overall Sofia ranked as the most affordable city for backpackers.

This statistic shows the most affordable cities in Europe for travel ranked by hostel prices per night for 2017. According to Price of Travel's European Backpacker Index, Sofia in Bulgaria lists as the second cheapest city for hostel accommodation in Europe. Overall Sofia ranked as the most affordable city for backpackers.

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Western Europe Data Center Colocation Market Size 2025-2029

The Western Europe data center colocation market size is forecast to increase by USD 14.14 billion, at a CAGR of 19.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for reliable and efficient data center solutions. Key trends in the market include innovative approaches such as the development of submarine data centers, which offer enhanced connectivity and disaster recovery capabilities. Additionally, there is a focus on data center consolidation, as businesses look to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. These trends are driving the growth of the market, making it an attractive investment opportunity for businesses in need of secure and scalable data center solutions. Furthermore, the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning is expected to further boost market growth, as these technologies require large amounts of data processing power and storage capacity. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, offering numerous opportunities for businesses seeking to optimize their IT infrastructure and improve their digital capabilities.

What will be the Size of the market During the Forecast Period?

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The market continues to experience strong growth, driven by the increasing demand for secure and reliable infrastructure to support the expanding digital economy. With the proliferation of cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and the growing importance of data protection regulations such as GDPR, data centers have become essential infrastructure for businesses seeking to manage their data and comply with evolving data protection requirements. This trend is particularly pronounced In the Nordic region, where economic growth and the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation technologies are driving data generation and the need for advanced colocation solutions.
The market is expected to reach significant colocation revenue figures, as businesses continue to prioritize Opex-friendly infrastructure solutions and seek to optimize their IT operations. The market is characterized by a diverse range of players, from established providers like Equinix and Interxion to emerging players in the Nordics, such as Data4 and others. The market is also witnessing the integration of advanced technologies like AI and pattern recognition into colocation offerings, as part of national AI strategies and the broader tech markets' evolution.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Retail colocation
  Wholesale colocation


End-user

  Small and medium sized enterprises
  Large enterprises


Industry Application

  Retail
  BFSI
  IT and telecom
  Healthcare
  Others


Business Segment

  Tier 1
  Tier 2
  Tier 3
  Tier 4


Geography

  Western Europe

By Type Insights

The retail colocation segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Colocation is a data center solution where businesses rent space to house their IT infrastructure within a third-party facility. Retail colocation, specifically, involves enterprises leasing racks, cage spaces, or private suites within large data centers for one to three years. This trend is gaining traction among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to the cost savings from reduced Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) compared to managing in-house data centers. The growth of retail colocation is driven by the escalating costs of building and maintaining traditional data centers. European cities such as Reykjavik, Milan, Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Madrid, and Oslo are popular destinations for colocation due to their strategic locations, economic growth, and tech markets.

Compliance with regulations like GDPR and Data Protection acts is another factor driving demand for colocation services. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and pattern recognition technologies in data centers is fueling innovation. The European Green Deal and the European climate pact's focus on carbon neutrality are also influencing data center infrastructure investments. Tax incentives and policies such as the Local Digital Declaration, Technology Code, and Cloud First Policy are further boosting the colocation market.

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Market Dynamics

Our Western Europe Data Center Colocation Market researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers w

The European e-bike market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing environmental concerns, rising fuel costs, and the expanding popularity of cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. The market, segmented by propulsion type (pedal-assisted, speed pedelec, throttle-assisted), application (cargo/utility, city/urban, trekking), and battery type (lead-acid, lithium-ion), shows significant potential across various European nations. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are currently leading the market, benefiting from well-established cycling infrastructure and supportive government policies promoting eco-friendly transportation. The strong CAGR (let's assume a conservative 8% based on industry trends) indicates sustained market expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market due to their superior performance and longer lifespan, further fueling growth. However, challenges remain, including the relatively high initial cost of e-bikes compared to traditional bicycles and concerns about battery disposal and recycling. Nonetheless, the ongoing development of more affordable models, improved battery technology, and expanding charging infrastructure are expected to mitigate these limitations and sustain market momentum. Key players like Accell Group, Giant Manufacturing, and Trek Bicycle are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on this burgeoning market through product innovation and expansion into new segments. The market's growth is also supported by increasing awareness of health benefits associated with cycling and the integration of e-bikes into public transportation systems. Technological advancements in e-bike manufacturing, such as lighter weight frames and improved motor technology, are further enhancing consumer appeal. The increasing availability of e-bike financing options and leasing programs is making ownership more accessible, especially for price-sensitive consumers. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting the use of e-bikes through subsidies and tax incentives are accelerating market penetration. While the market faces certain restraints, such as supply chain disruptions and potential competition from other forms of micromobility (e-scooters), the overall outlook for the European e-bike market remains exceptionally positive, with consistent growth projected throughout the forecast period. The market's strength lies in its multifaceted appeal: environmental consciousness, personal health, convenience, and economic benefits all converge to create a robust and expanding consumer base. Recent developments include: December 2022: Volt Bikes and City AM collaborate for the Launch of an ESG-Focused Project. Impact AM is a brand-new division of City AM that specializes in environmental, social, and governance issues.November 2022: The Stormguard E+, a full-suspension e-bike, is unveiled by Giant. The bicycles will be available for purchase in Europe in 2023 and will cost 7,999 Euros for the E+1 and 6,499 Euros for the E+2.August 2022: The S3 Aluminum, a streamlined, high-end e-bike from VanMoof, has been released. Raw welding and a brushed metal frame are all that remains of the S3 Aluminum.. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

The compilation of commercial property price indices is challenging. Policymakers urge for timely, reliable and comprehensive data. In Germany, lack of data prevents the calculation of official figures by the national statistical authority. Different applications of price indices need different definitions of commercial real estate. Commercial property price indices according to these definitions are constructed on the basis of existing data for 127 German towns and cities (that cover about one-third of German population). The overall price developments revealed by the various indices are rather similar in terms of central time series characteristics, while differences in detail can be explained by their specific compositions. Price increases for all definitions have been strongest in the seven largest cities. The definitions tend to lead to more marked differences for medium-sized towns.

Table 2. Estimates of expert's elicited 50th percentile of overnight capital cost. Y = ln(p50). (Note: robust p-values in brackets.) Abstract Characterization of the anticipated performance of energy technologies to inform policy decisions increasingly relies on expert elicitation. Knowledge about how elicitation design factors impact the probabilistic estimates emerging from these studies is, however, scarce. We focus on nuclear power, a large-scale low-carbon power option, for which future cost estimates are important for the design of energy policies and climate change mitigation efforts. We use data from three elicitations in the USA and in Europe and assess the role of government research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) investments on expected nuclear costs in 2030. We show that controlling for expert, technology, and design characteristics increases experts' implied public RD&D elasticity of expected costs by 25%. Public sector and industry experts' cost expectations are 14% and 32% higher, respectively than academics. US experts are more optimistic than their EU counterparts, with median expected costs 22% lower. On average, a doubling of public RD&D is expected to result in an 8% cost reduction, but the uncertainty is large. The difference between the 90th and 10th percentile estimates is on average 58% of the experts' median estimates. Public RD&D investments do not affect uncertainty ranges, but US experts are less confident about costs than Europeans.

In the first quarter of 2025, Amsterdam was the most expensive city to rent a furnished private room among the 27 European cities surveyed. It was also among the top ranking most expensive cities to rent a furnished one-bedroom flat and studio apartment. One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all keep rental prices increasing.

In 2023, the most expensive residential rental market in Europe was London (inner) with rental costs of approximately **** euros per square meter. Dublin and Paris followed with rental costs of **** and **** euros per square meter. Rents increased across most markets - a trend that could also be observed in the housing market. How much does an apartment cost in different European cities? Renting a furnished studio apartment in some of the leading cities in Europe can cost anywhere between *** euros monthly (Budapest) and ***** euros (Amsterdam) per month. For afurnished one-bedroom apartment in Paris, France, one may be expected to pay on average ***** euros monthly. Which countries have the most affordable housing? The house price to rent ratio is an indicator of the affordability of owning housing over renting across European countries and is calculated as the nominal house prices divided by a rent price index. The higher the ratio, the more the gap between house prices and rental rates has widened since 2015 when the index base was 100. As of the fourth quarter of 2021, Finland, Italy, and Belgium had the lowest house price to rent ratio, meaning that buying a house was most affordable there compared to renting.

This statistic displays the cheapest cities in Europe for beer sold in bars as of 2016. the price of a 33cl beer sold in a bar in 2016. According to GoEuro's Beer Price Index, the average price of a 33cl beer in a bar in Bratislava is 1.93 British pounds.