According to the International Energy Agency’s Household Energy Spending Index, Sweden has the highest household energy expenditure in the world, at $1,926 per person in 2025.
Europe accounts for 24 of the top 30 countries in the ranking, highlighting the unusually high energy costs faced by households across the region. In Italy, the figure reaches $1,139 per year. The United States ranks 16th, while spending is considerably lower across most emerging economies.
The figures include electricity, gas, heating and other fuels used at home, but exclude transport costs. European countries dominate the upper end of the ranking, while household energy spending is substantially lower across much of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
After Sweden, Finland comes second at $1,786, followed by Austria in third place with $1,709. At the other end of the scale, Bolivia records household spending of just $25 per person, followed by Algeria at $29 and Egypt at $35.
High household energy consumption is linked to a combination of factors, rather than prices alone. Colder climates require more heating, while higher incomes often make larger homes and greater energy use possible, including air conditioning. Many European countries also face relatively high retail prices for electricity and gas.
Outside Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Chile and Uruguay are among the few economies near the top of the ranking. Spending also varies considerably within Europe, reflecting differences in climate, government energy mixes, the energy efficiency of homes and public subsidies.
Lower household energy spending should not automatically be seen as evidence of greater efficiency. It can also reflect lower incomes, limited access to modern energy services, smaller homes, warmer climates, government subsidies or lower electricity and fuel prices.
Article originally published by Visual Capitalist: “Where Households Pay the Highest Energy Bills”
Source: https://www.idealista.it/