By: Vida Kocjan
In 2025, many products and services in Slovenia have become more expensive. These price increases are not widely publicised and largely go unnoticed by media outlets sympathetic to the ruling coalition, which remain blind and deaf to the issue.
In January, inflation stood at 2%, as winter sales of clothing and footwear helped curb monthly price growth. Due to seasonal discounts, clothing prices dropped by 10.5%, while footwear became 6.7% cheaper.
However, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 2.3% in January alone, while fuel prices increased by 2.4%. Despite the winter sales leading to a monthly deflation of 0.4%, annual inflation in January saw a 2% rise in consumer prices, according to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SURS).
Services became 3.1% more expensive on average, while goods saw a 1.5% price increase. The main contributors to annual inflation were higher prices in transportation (3%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.3%), and restaurants and hotels (4.8%). Alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 3.5%, while recreation and culture, as well as miscellaneous goods and services, each increased by 2.2%.
Additionally, due to the introduction of a new tax or an increase in the value-added tax (VAT), sugary and energy drinks became more expensive, further burdening household budgets.
Health contribution increased by 6.2%
Certain taxes and contributions have also risen. The mandatory health contribution, which was previously voluntary, will increase by €2.17 per month from March, rising from €35 to €37.17, marking a 6.2% hike.
RTV contribution increased by 10%
The RTV contribution has risen from €12.75 to €14.02, a 10% increase. Annually, every individual will now pay €168.24, which is €15.24 more than the previous €153.
New long-term care tax
Starting July 1st, a new 2% contribution for long-term care will come into effect, adding an extra €20 to €30 per month for employees with an average salary. This contribution will directly impact net wages, as the amount will be deducted from gross salaries before payment. Employees and employers will each pay 1% of gross wages, while pensioners will contribute 1% of their net pension. For a pension of €1,000, this means an additional €10 per month or €120 annually in new taxes.
For the self-employed, who act as both workers and employers, the contribution will be 2% of gross income.
Fuel price increases: Up to 12% in one year
Fuel prices are also rising. As of the new year, a litre of gasoline costs €1.54, while diesel is €1.60 per litre. Gasoline is now 10.5% more expensive than in early 2024, and diesel has risen by 11.9%. A litre of heating oil now costs €1.20, an 11% increase compared to the beginning of 2024.
A comparison of fuel prices reveals that since August 2020 – during Janez Janša’s government – prices have surged by 54% to 60%. Back then, a litre of 95-octane gasoline and diesel both cost around €1. Slovenia’s fuel prices were the lowest among neighbouring countries at the time.
At the start of 2025, economic conditions in Slovenia and globally remain uncertain, with inflation accelerating at the end of 2024 due to rising energy prices.
Electricity prices up by around 30%
Households are expected to pay at least 30% more for electricity due to the deregulation of electricity prices. The exact amount of the network fee remains unknown, as the government coalition frequently changes regulations regarding electricity prices and related charges. As of now, future policies remain uncertain.
Higher costs for entrepreneurs
For self-employed individuals, contributions have increased due to rising average gross wages and the introduction of new mandatory levies. Until June 2025, the minimum monthly contributions amounted to approximately €579.44. However, with the introduction of the long-term care contribution in July, they have risen to around €607.80.
Housing costs and rent prices
Over the past three years, housing costs in Slovenia have risen significantly, mainly due to increasing real estate prices. According to SURS, real estate prices in 2023 increased by 6.8% compared to 2022. In 2024, property prices in Slovenia rose by another 6.7%.
The highest price hikes were seen in the capital, where the average price per square meter of an apartment in 2023 reached nearly €4,000. Similar prices were recorded in Kranjska Gora and Bled. Recent figures suggest prices have now climbed to around €5,000 per square meter, excluding extreme cases.
Besides rising real estate prices, rental costs have also increased, particularly in urban centres, further impacting overall housing expenses for households. Precise data on rental price changes over the past three years is not yet available.
A comprehensive understanding of housing cost trends would also require data on maintenance costs, utility services, and energy expenses, but such information is currently unavailable.
What about 2024?
In general, the most significant price increases in Slovenia in 2024 were in food and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and hotels, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, clothing and footwear, and housing and utility services.
According to SURS data, consumer prices increased by 1.9% year-over-year. The most significant contributors to inflation were higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, which rose by 2.6%, contributing 0.5 percentage points to overall inflation. Price hikes in restaurants and hotels (4.1%) added 0.3 percentage points. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.6%), clothing and footwear (2.2%), miscellaneous goods and services (2.2%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (1.3%), and transport (1.2%) each contributed 0.2 percentage points.
Increase in food and beverage prices
Over the past four years, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Slovenia have fluctuated as follows:
- 2022: Prices increased by 12.1%.
- 2023: Prices increased by 4.6%.
- 2024: Prices increased by 2.3%.
- 2025 (January): Prices increased by 2.3%.
When combined, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices have risen by a total of 22.71% from 2022 to the end of January 2025. This total increase is calculated based on the sequential annual price hikes.
Trends indicating a decline in living standards
- Higher living costs: The prices of food, energy, housing, and services have increased in recent years, affecting the purchasing power of the population.
- Housing affordability: Real estate prices and rental costs have surged, making it harder for young people and families to buy or rent homes.
Aging population: Slovenia faces demographic challenges, as its population is aging, which will place long-term pressure on the pension system and healthcare services.
