euronews.com
European Utility Costs Vary Widely: Munich Highest, Istanbul Lowest
Deutsche Bank's report reveals Munich's €370 monthly utility cost for an 85m2 apartment as the highest in Europe, while Istanbul's €68 is the lowest; significant variations exist across the continent and globally.
- What are the highest and lowest basic utility costs among European cities in 2025, and what factors contribute to this variation?
- The report shows Munich has the highest basic utility costs in Europe at €370 per month for an 85m2 apartment, while Istanbul has the lowest at €68.
- How do utility costs in major European cities compare to those in other global cities, and what are the trends in cost increases over the past five years?
- Germany has the highest average utility costs in Europe, with Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin among the top four most expensive cities. This contrasts sharply with cities like Istanbul, Helsinki, Budapest, and Lisbon, which have significantly lower costs.
- What is the relationship between utility costs as a percentage of average net salary across European cities, and how do income levels influence this relationship?
- The substantial disparity in utility costs across Europe reflects differences in energy sources, regulations, and income levels. Higher costs in Northern and Western Europe may reflect greater reliance on expensive energy sources and stricter environmental regulations, while lower costs in other regions may be influenced by lower incomes and different energy mixes.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the high utility costs in Germany and other Northern/Western European cities, repeatedly highlighting the most expensive cities in the top 20 lists. While factual, this creates a narrative that overstates the negative aspects of utility costs in these regions compared to those with lower costs. The headline, if any, would further shape this perspective.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, using quantitative data to support its claims. However, phrases like "Europe clearly dominates" or "Germany is the most expensive country" could be viewed as slightly loaded, although they are based on the data presented.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on European cities, particularly those in Northern and Western Europe, potentially omitting data from other regions that could offer a more balanced global perspective. While acknowledging limitations of space, the lack of detailed comparisons with cities outside of Europe and a limited representation of non-European cities in the top 20 list may skew the overall impression of global utility costs.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by emphasizing the contrast between high utility costs in Northern/Western Europe and lower costs in Central/Eastern and parts of Southern Europe. This simplification overlooks the nuances within regions and other factors influencing utility prices.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights significant variations in basic utility costs across European cities, with some cities experiencing substantial increases. High energy costs disproportionately affect lower-income households, hindering their access to affordable and reliable energy services. The data shows that in many cities, a significant portion of income is dedicated to utilities, impacting the ability of residents to afford other necessities. This directly relates to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.