The Cyprus Consumers Association conducted a survey on the cost of the Christmas table. The survey was carried out from the 9th to the 17th of December 2024.
A total of three retail price surveys were conducted. It is noted that the survey covered Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos and included a total of 35 food and drink items. The list of food items was the same as in previous years.
The purpose of the survey was to determine the cost of a Christmas table for 2024, not for the purpose of comparing prices between different points of sale. Additionally, the survey began early to establish whether prices change as Christmas approaches and whether some product offers that were available at the start of the survey would remain available until the final date of price collection.
The survey aimed to calculate the cost of the Christmas table for both 4 and 6 people for the categories of “lavish spread,” “budget-friendly spread,” and “basic essentials spread.”
Christmas table 2024 – Nicosia: Comparison of 2024 with 2023
| Category | Total Cost 2023 (4 people) | Total Cost 2023 (6 people) | Total Cost 2024 (4 people) | Total Cost 2024 (6 people) | % Increase (4 people) | % Increase (6 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavish Spread | €187.02 | €271.25 | €212.03 | €303.23 | 13.37% | 11.79% |
| Budget-Friendly Spread | €102.33 | €131.96 | €122.54 | €157.32 | 19.75% | 19.22% |
| Basic Essentials Spread | €25.32 | €38.38 | €30.67 | €44.07 | 21.13% | 14.83% |
Christmas table 2024 – Limassol
| Category | Total Cost 2024 (4 people) | Total Cost 2024 (6 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Lavish Spread | €197.95 | €281.29 |
| Budget-Friendly Spread | €121.18 | €156.95 |
| Basic Essentials Spread | €32.69 | €47.51 |
Christmas table 2024 – Paphos
| Category | Total Cost 2024 (4 people) | Total Cost 2024 (6 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Lavish Spread | €214.98 | €308.07 |
| Budget-Friendly Spread | €121.63 | €157.71 |
| Basic Essentials Spread | €34.03 | €51.19 |
The cost of the Christmas table also considered the necessary quantities of each item typically needed by a family of four and a family of six. An additional 5% cost was added to the total cost for various supplementary items required at the table, such as water, lemons, salt, oil, vinegar, napkins, electricity, and gas. Detailed information and breakdowns are presented in the attached analytical tables, which will also be posted on the Association’s website.
According to the findings of the Cyprus Consumers Association, the total cost of a “lavish” table includes 35 items. For a family of four in Nicosia, the cost is estimated at €212, and for a family of six, €303. Compared to the 2023 Christmas table cost, there is an increase of 11.79%.
For the Limassol district, the cost was estimated at €198 for a family of four and €281 for a family of six.
For the Paphos district, the cost was estimated at €215 for a family of four and €308 for a family of six.
The total cost of an “economical” table includes 19 of the 35 items. For a family of four in Nicosia, it is estimated at €123, and for a family of six, €157. Compared to the 2023 Christmas table cost, there is an increase of 19.22%. For the Limassol district, the cost was estimated at €121 for a family of four and €157 for a family of six.
For the Paphos district, the cost was estimated at €122 for a family of four and €158 for a family of six.
The total cost of a table for the financially disadvantaged includes 11 of the 35 items. For a family of four in Nicosia, it is estimated at €31, and for a family of six, €44. Compared to the 2023 Christmas table cost, there is an increase of 14.83%.
For the Limassol district, the cost was estimated at €33 for a family of four and €48 for a family of six.
For the Paphos district, the cost was estimated at €34 for a family of four and €51 for a family of six.
Fluctuations in the prices of several products in the survey were observed from the 9th of December to the 17th of December during the survey period. These fluctuations do not present any particular findings that justify further investigation.
Some items included in the survey were offered at promotional prices. Most of these promotions remained consistent throughout the survey period.
The only prices likely to change by Christmas are those of vegetables, although it is estimated that there will not be a noticeable change by then. There might also be some variation in the prices of fresh meats sold in supermarkets.
Significant interest is shown in the cost of the Christmas table across the three different categories: “lavish,” “economical,” and the table for the financially disadvantaged. The analytical tables provide insight into how economically disadvantaged households will face their financial difficulties.
The largest increases compared to 2023 were observed in tomatoes (131%), cucumbers (113%), and potatoes (34%). Fresh meats generally showed an average increase of around 20%.
Decreases were observed in Merlin oranges (17%), onions (15%), and Christmas treats. Detailed information for each product can be found in the relevant table.
Lastly, significant price variations were observed between different points of sale for Christmas treats. However, as these items can differ considerably in terms of the materials used in their preparation and even their exact weight, the comparison cannot be considered reliable or objective and is therefore not commented on in the survey.
Also read: Melomakarona & kourabiedes: Prices in 20 shops across Cyprus
