Ireland is officially the most expensive country in the European Union for goods and services, figures show.
The data compiled by Eurostat shows that prices here were 46 per cent higher than the average across the bloc in 2022.
Denmark was marginally cheaper than Ireland with 45 per cent, while Luxembourg was 37 per cent.
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The cheapest countries in Europe are Romania, Bulgaria and Poland.
Daragh Cassidy, from Bonkers. ie, said: “We all know that Ireland is an expensive country. But the fact that we’re now the most expensive country in the entire EU is still pretty shocking.
“We’re now even more expensive than Denmark, which has long been known as one of the most expensive countries in the world.
“Prices here are now over 46 per cent above the EU average. And it’s getting worse every year.”
He added: “Of course, wages in Ireland are also above the EU average.
“However not by over 46 per cent for many people.”
Many other countries in Europe also benefit from far cheaper childcare, which isn’t covered by these figures.
Booze and tobacco prices were 216 per cent higher her than the EU average, while food and non-alcoholic drinks were 15 per cent more and the fourth highest.
The data also revealed Ireland is the second most expensive country for electricity, gas, and other fuels – with prices more than 38 per cent above the norm in other countries.
Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said there was a “continued slide in Irish living standards”, adding: “This drift is a growing threat to the competitiveness of our economy, impacting the ability of firms to attract and retain staff.”
