Energy costs in the east: Bremen's households pay the most!

Energy costs in the east: Bremen's households pay the most!

Energy costs in Germany are putting a strain on households all over Germany, but a look at the numbers reveals a worrying truth: the burden is particularly affecting people in the east of the country. A report from t online According to this, East German households pay an average of 17 percent more for energy compared to their West German neighbors.

It is particularly painful when heating, where the difference is an impressive 23 percent. On average, a typical three-person household in the East spends 4,210 euros, while in the West the costs are slightly higher at 4,225 euros, but not as burdensome. Adjusted for purchasing power, annual energy costs for households in the East rise to 4,779 euros, which is 680 euros above the West German average. This increase is also reflected in heating costs: East German households spend an average of 1,562 euros per year on heating, while West Germans get by on 1,268 euros.

Bremen in focus

Bremen takes a top spot. Here, households pay the highest purchasing power-adjusted energy costs, which are 21 percent above the national average. When it comes to heating costs, the situation is likely to be particularly tense for many Bremen families, as they spend an average of 1,686 euros per year on it. Saxony and Thuringia follow with 1,629 euros and 1,604 euros.

The financial burden is not only a question of absolute prices, but also of disposable income. The average income in West Germany is 61,876 euros per household, while East German households have less at 52,891 euros. This shows another reason why a higher proportion of income has to be spent on energy - the relative price differences are particularly noticeable.

Energy price trends

The situation with energy costs has changed significantly since 2018. According to the analysis by Verivox The prices for electricity and gas have often risen in recent years and have reached their peak in 2022. Although gas prices fell in 2023, they still remain high compared to pre-energy crisis levels. Changing electricity providers can save over 700 euros annually for households with an annual consumption of 4,000 kWh. For a typical family, this can provide welcome relief.

Have you thought about changing your energy provider? Simply comparing tariffs can result in big savings. Households with high annual consumption in particular should consider switching providers.

In summary, it can be seen that energy costs represent an enormous burden for many households in Germany, especially for families in the East. While prices in the West are somewhat more moderate, the question remains: How long can people continue to afford these constant increases? A good hand when looking for cheaper tariffs can make the difference here.