Drugstore prices in Austria: Up to 129% more expensive than in Germany!

Drugstore prices in Austria: Up to 129% more expensive than in Germany!

Current analyzes show that prices for drugstore goods in Austria have risen significantly compared to Germany. According to a study by the Chamber of Labor (AK), consumers in Austria pay an average of 23% more for identical products. This information comes from a comprehensive price monitor that compared 97 drugstore items in ten online shops in both countries. A particularly drastic price difference was found for the Garnier brand facial toner, whose price in Austria is 6.13 euros, while the same item costs only 2.67 euros in Germany. This corresponds to a difference of a whopping 129%.

Further noticeable price differences were found for a number of established drugstore products. For example, Sensitive Strips from Hansaplast cost 5.62 euros in Austria compared to just 2.47 euros in Germany, which also means an increase of 128%. Another example is the liquid soap from Palmolive, which is available for 2.59 euros in Austria, while the price in Germany is only 1.33 euros. This gives a difference of 95%.

Significant price differences for other products

The AK study also shows that around 90% of the products examined are more expensive in Austria. This applies not only to cosmetic items, but also to everyday items. Here are some more examples of the price differences:

• Bodymilk von Sebamed: Österreich 7,34 Euro, Deutschland 3,97 Euro (Differenz 85 %)
• Klarspüler von Somat: Österreich 4,11 Euro, Deutschland 2,35 Euro (Differenz 75 %)
• 48h Rollon von CD: Österreich 3,29 Euro, Deutschland 1,97 Euro (Differenz 67 %)
• Seife von Nivea: Österreich 2,42 Euro, Deutschland 1,47 Euro (Differenz 65 %)
• Mundspülung von Odol: Österreich 4,62 Euro, Deutschland 2,97 Euro (Differenz 56 %)
• Tampons von o.b.: Österreich 3,83 Euro, Deutschland 2,47 Euro (Differenz 55 %)
• Aroma Duschgel von Weleda: Österreich 8,97 Euro, Deutschland 5,97 Euro (Differenz 50 %)

Overall, there are very clear trends that show that the average price of a shopping cart with the 97 products in Austria is around 502 euros, while the same purchase in Germany only costs just under 409 euros. These high prices for drugstore goods are a clear signal and were underlined by the AK consumer advocate Gabriela Zgubic in her calls for legal measures to the European Commission.

demands on the EU

Gabriela Zgubic emphasizes the need to eliminate the so-called “Austrian surcharge” and sees the European Commission as having an obligation to develop a corresponding legislative proposal. The consistently high prices burden consumers and raise questions about the fairness of pricing.

While these price differences in the drugstore industry are receiving increasing attention, it remains to be seen how policymakers will respond. Demands for transparency and fairness are louder than ever, and consumers are hoping for positive change.