If you’re looking to buy vodka for New Year’s celebration, the price can vary quite a bit depending on where you are shopping. Let’s compare the cost of 1 liter of vodka in three different countries: Norway, Lithuania, and Spain.

In Norway, one of the most reliable places to buy vodka is Vinmonopolet, the government-controlled wine and liquor retailer. The price for 1 litre of Absolut Vodka at Vinmonopolet is 532.71 NOK, which translates to about 45.65 EUR:

Lithuania stands out as the most budget-friendly option among the three. At Barbora, one of the largest online retailers, you can find Absolut Vodka for 19.99 EUR per litre. This price makes Lithuania an attractive destination for vodka lovers looking to save on alcohol, thanks to the lower taxes and more competitive pricing in the Lithuanian market:

In Spain, El Corte Inglés, one of the country’s major department store chains, offers Absolut Vodka for 22.59 EUR per litre. Spain’s pricing is relatively affordable compared to Norway but is still higher than Lithuania’s. The country’s alcohol prices are influenced by both local taxes and a competitive market, keeping costs lower than in Norway but higher than in Lithuania:

Income and Affordability Comparison

To provide some context for these vodka prices, let’s consider the average net monthly salaries in these countries for Q2 2024:

• Norway: €3,650 after tax.
• Lithuania: €1,180 after tax.
• Spain: €1,860 after tax.

Now, let’s calculate how much vodka one could purchase with the average monthly net salary:

• Norway: 80 liters (€3,650 ÷ €45.65 per liter).
• Lithuania: 59 liters (€1,180 ÷ €19.99 per liter).
• Spain: 82 liters (€1,860 ÷ €22.59 per liter).

Insights

While Norway has the highest price for vodka, it also boasts the highest average salary, which allows residents to afford more vodka despite the higher cost. On the other hand, Lithuania offers the cheapest vodka, but with a lower average salary, it’s still relatively affordable. Spain, with a moderate vodka price and salary, allows consumers to purchase a good amount of vodka, though not as much as in Norway.

This comparison shows that while prices vary widely, purchasing power across these countries also influences the affordability of vodka. If you’re planning to buy in bulk, Lithuania offers the most cost-effective option, while Norway, despite its higher cost, still provides the most purchasing power.

It’s good to be mindful about alcohol consumption, as it can influence our health in various ways.