- The UK ranks as one of the cheapest countries in Europe to buy a tub of premium ice cream, costing 18% (£0.97) less than the European average (£5.32)
- The average price of ice cream in Switzerland is nearly double that of the UK, at £8.10 for a 500ml tub
- Italy is the only major European country cheaper for ice cream than the UK, costing only £4.32
In light of soaring temperatures across the UK and Europe this month, global mobility expert, ECA International (ECA), has revealed how much it costs to buy ice cream in countries around the world.
According to ECA’s bi-annual Cost of Living report, the UK ranks as one of the cheapest countries in Europe to buy a premium tub of ice cream such as Ben and Jerry’s or Haagen Dazs* ice cream, costing 18% (£0.97) less than the European average of £5.32 and £3.75 cheaper than in Switzerland where a tub of ice cream will set you back £8.10.
Elsewhere in the world, a tub of ice cream in Australia would cost an average of £6.93, whilst in Canada prices are even cheaper than in the UK, with a tub of premium ice cream setting you back just £3.92.
Meanwhile in the United States, the birthplace of both Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen Dazs ice cream, a tub costs an average of £4.49, which many may consider good value in the current heatwave.
Steven Kilfedder, Production Manager at ECA, said: “The record-breaking temperatures we’re currently experiencing across Europe make ice cream almost an essential for the shopping basket. Our latest Cost of Living report features ice cream for the first time ever, revealing how much Brits can expect to pay abroad. Thankfully given the hot weather a refreshing tub of ice cream in the UK is cheaper than in most European countries and almost half the price as in Switzerland.”
Cost of 500ml tub of premium ice cream around Europe
| Country | Average price (GBP) |
| Switzerland | 8.10 |
| Norway | 6.59 |
| Portugal | 5.77 |
| Spain | 5.45 |
| Germany | 5.18 |
| France | 4.72 |
| Netherlands | 4.70 |
| Turkey | 4.44 |
| United Kingdom | 4.35 |
| Italy | 4.32 |
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
*All costs have been taken from ECA’s Cost of Living survey 2019, comparing the cost of a 500ml tub of premium ice-cream available in 482 locations worldwide.
For further press information, please contact:
Yasmine Triana/Arabella Halfhide/James Richards
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8934
E: [email protected]
About ECA International
ECA International is the market-leading provider of knowledge, information and technology that enables businesses to manage their international reward programmes.
Partnering with thousands of clients on every continent, we provide a fully integrated suite of quality data, specialist software, consultancy and training. Our unparalleled insights guide clients as they mobilise their most valuable resource: people.
We make the complex world of international mobility simple, providing clients with the expertise and support they need to make the right decisions – every time.
ECA International: Mobility solutions for a world that’s constantly moving.
About ECA’s Cost of Living Survey
ECA International’s cost of living surveys are carried out in March and September using a basket of day-to-day goods and services commonly purchased by assignees. The data used above refers to year-on-year movements between ECA’s March 2014 and March 2019 surveys. ECA’s Cost of Living Survey rankings began in 2005.
Cost of living indices are used by ECA clients to calculate cost of living allowances for assignees. The survey covers:
- Food: Groceries; dairy produce; meat and fish; fresh fruit and vegetables
- Basic: Household goods; recreational goods; general services; leisure services
- General: Clothing; electrical goods; motoring; meals out; alcohol and tobacco
Certain living costs such as accommodation rental, utilities charges (electricity, gas, and water), car purchases and school fees are not included in the survey. Such items can make a significant difference to expenses but are usually compensated for separately in expatriate packages.
This comparison of cost of living was calculated on a base composed of various developed countries and is used to reflect an international lifestyle. Other indices available from ECA reflect specific city-to-city comparisons and different levels of shopping efficiency.
ECA’s blog provides updates and commentary on currency, inflation and expatriate cost of living. Follow the blog here: https://eca-international.com/insights/blogs
