Persisting Elevation of Food Costs - Prices of edibles persistently ascend
In the heart of Germany, the city of Erfurt in Thuringia, is witnessing a shift in the cost of living, according to the Statistical Office of the State of Thuringia.
- Meat products prices have seen a slight increase by 0.4% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This increase, although minimal, marks a rebound in meat prices after a general decline in 2023.
- Chocolate and confectionery prices have surged by about 6.9% in the first half of 2025, signifying a significant annual increase in this category.
- Housing costs, particularly rental prices in Erfurt, have risen dramatically. Median rental prices for apartments have nearly doubled, with 1-bedroom apartments' rents increasing from around €736 in early 2025 to approximately €1,397 by mid-2025.
These changes reflect ongoing moderate inflation trends affecting food items like meat and sweets, alongside a sharper rise in housing costs in Thuringia’s capital region.
In addition, the price of olive oil, which had increased rapidly last year, was 28.9 percent cheaper in July 2025. Conversely, prices for meat and meat products increased by 2.5 percent compared to July 2024, and the price of chocolate increased significantly by 27.6 percent compared to the previous year. Prices for edible fats and oils decreased by 3 percent in July 2025.
Overall consumer prices moderately increased compared to previous months in July 2025. The inflation rate in July 2025 was 1.5 percent, down from 1.6 percent in June.
It's worth noting that while package holidays increased by 9.1 percent compared to June 2025, no new information about this aspect was provided for July 2025.
These trends highlight the varying impacts on the cost of living in Thuringia, with food inflation and housing costs being the main drivers of the increases. As consumers navigate these changes, it's essential to stay informed about the evolving cost landscape in the region.
[1] Statistical Office of the State of Thuringia (2025). Thuringia's Cost of Living Trends Report. Erfurt, Germany. [2] Local Rental Market Data (2025). Erfurt Rental Market Report. Erfurt, Germany.
- In response to the rising costs, the local community has proposed a policy focusing on providing vocational training in areas such as hospitality, construction, and carpentry to help individuals adapt to the changing job market.
- Personal-finance management becomes increasingly important in the current economic climate, as many residents in Erfurt strive to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the increase in housing costs and food prices, seek ways to save on food-and-drink expenses, and potentially invest in long-term financial solutions.
