Spanish grocery prices rise at more than double the pace of salaries

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A report from the Uso workers' trade union shows that food prices have increased by 45.3% since 2021, while wages have grown by 17.3%

Ana Cantero

Wednesday, 22 April 2026, 15:15

The room for manoeuvre for households with the lowest income is narrowing: spending has increased well above wages since the 2008 economic crisis, but especially between 2021 and 2025.

A report by the Uso workers' trade union details the change in prices, salaries and the cost of living in Spain. According to it, the CPI rose by 18.4%, with food prices increasing by 45.3%, compared to a wage increase of only 17.3% in the period between 2021 and 2025.

If the comparison is over a longer period, from 2008 to 2025, the gap remains significant: inflation grew by 37.1%, which represents a loss of purchasing power of 5.5% compared to the increase in monthly wages, which was 31.6%

The price of food rose considerably more sharply, reaching 54.3%. Meanwhile, inflation climbed to 37.1% between 2008 and 2025. Housing and fuel costs, on the other hand, increased by 43.9%. Furthermore, average household spending was 26,510.27 euros in 2024, 18.7% higher than in 2016.

During the presentation of the report, the union stated that the most burdensome expenses today are food, housing and utilities, while clothing, footwear, furniture and household maintenance are less significant.

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