Stringy cheese, a rich tomato base, and the perfect crust have made pizza a beloved dish across continents, but new research reveals its cost varies dramatically across European nations. The 2026 Pizza Index, conducted by food delivery platform Foodora, has meticulously tracked the average price of a classic Margherita pizza between 2024 and 2025 in six countries: Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The findings highlight not only significant price differences but also surprising inflationary trends and shifts in affordability.
European Pizza Price Rankings: From Budget-Friendly to Premium
According to the comprehensive study, Hungary emerges as the most economical destination for pizza enthusiasts. A classic Margherita there costs approximately €8.75, which converts to around £7.62. Despite holding the title for the cheapest pizza, Hungary has experienced a substantial price increase of 17.3 percent since 2024, when the average cost was just €7.46 or £6.50. This inflationary pressure suggests that even budget markets are not immune to rising food costs.
Detailed Country-by-Country Analysis
The research provides a clear hierarchy of pizza pricing across the surveyed nations:
- Czechia secures second place, with pizzas available for €9.47 (£8.24). This represents an 11.5 percent rise from the 2024 price of €8.49 (£7.39), indicating steady upward movement in the market.
- Sweden follows in third position, offering pizzas for around €10.94 (£9.52). Interestingly, Sweden is one of the few countries to see a decrease, with prices dropping by 2.3 percent from the previous year.
- Austria ranks fourth, with an average price of €11.50 (£10). The nation witnessed the most dramatic increase among the countries studied, with prices soaring by 21.1 percent since 2024.
- Finland charges €13.50 (£11.75) for a pizza, marking a slight decrease of 2.2 percent from its 2024 average of €13.80 (£12).
- Norway stands as the most expensive country overall, with an average price of €17.60 (£15.31). This positions Norwegian pizza as a premium purchase compared to its European counterparts.
City-Specific Extremes: Lillestrøm and Szeged
Delving deeper into urban data reveals even starker contrasts. The Norwegian city of Lillestrøm has earned the dubious distinction of being the most expensive place to buy pizza in the entire study. According to the research, it charges a staggering average of €19.12 (£16.63) for a Margherita. This represents a dramatic reversal from 2024, when Lillestrøm was actually the cheapest city in the survey. The price has skyrocketed by an astonishing 62.45 percent in just one year, highlighting volatile local market conditions.
Conversely, pizza lovers seeking a bargain should look to Szeged in Hungary. This city claims the title of the most budget-friendly pizza destination across all six nations analysed. A Margherita there costs just €8.50 (£7.40), making it the clear winner for value-conscious consumers. The contrast between Szeged and Lillestrøm underscores the vast economic disparities that can exist within Europe's food service sector.
London's Dominance in Global Artisan Pizza Rankings
Beyond pure pricing, the research coincides with the recent revelation of the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2025 Awards, curated by the prestigious guide 50 Top Pizza. The awards, announced in November, placed London firmly on the global culinary map. Da Michele, which operates two restaurants in London and one in Manchester, was officially crowned the best pizza chain in the world.
Furthermore, three additional brands with a strong presence in London—Big Mamma Group, Pizza Pilgrims, and Berberè—all secured places within the world's Top 10 ranking. This achievement solidifies London's status as the most internationally represented pizza city outside of Italy itself in this year's elite global list. The capital has become a crucible for high-quality, artisanal pizza craftsmanship.
Cultural Significance and Diplomatic Recognition
The importance of pizza extends far beyond mere consumption. Inigo Lambertini, the Ambassador of Italy to the United Kingdom, eloquently captured its broader significance. He stated, 'Pizza is more than just food. It is culture, history, and identity. It is a symbol of conviviality, an ambassador in its own right of Italian lifestyle and craftsmanship all over the world.' This diplomatic endorsement reinforces how a simple dish can serve as a powerful cultural and economic connector between nations.
In summary, the 2026 Pizza Index by Foodora provides a fascinating snapshot of European consumer economics through the lens of a universally adored dish. From Hungary's affordable offerings to Norway's premium prices and London's award-winning artisan scene, the data tells a story of diversity, inflation, and culinary excellence across the continent.
