Among the top five European holiday spots for Dutch travelers—France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria—Spain stands out as the most affordable for self-catering vacationers. Drawing from 2018 Eurostat data analyzed by Statistics Netherlands, food prices in Spain are 4% below the EU average, compared to 1.1% above average in the Netherlands. Groceries cost more than in the Netherlands across the other four destinations, with France exceeding the EU average by over 16% and Austria by nearly 27%.
Meat Prices
Barbecue enthusiasts will find Austria the priciest, with meat 45% above the EU average, followed by France at 30% higher. Spain offers the best value, trailed by Germany and Italy.
Potatoes, vegetables, and fruit are marginally costlier in France than Austria—both around 27% above the EU average. Italy and Germany sit at 7% and 5% higher, respectively, while Spain is 1.1% below. In the Netherlands, these items are 2.2% above the average.
Drinks: Best Deals in Spain and Germany
Beverage price gaps are smaller overall. Austria leads for non-alcoholic drinks at 13% above the EU average, while Spain and Germany shine for alcoholic options—13% and 11% below average, respectively.
Restaurants and Hotels: France Premium, Spain Budget-Friendly
France also charges more for dining and lodging, 18% above the EU average. Spain provides the lowest rates here too.
Europe's Grocery Price Leaders
Beyond these hotspots, North Macedonia boasts Europe's cheapest food at nearly 40% below the EU average, followed by Romania and Poland. Switzerland tops the expense chart at 64% above average, with Norway and Iceland close behind.
