Slovakia: cost of living

How fast are energy prices rising in Slovakia?

Prices for electricity, gas and other household fuels in Slovakia were 11.1% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to Eurostat's harmonised index of consumer prices. Food and non-alcoholic drinks were 2.5% cheaper over the same period. All items together rose 3.1%.

Energy prices for households have been rising at about 11% a year throughout the middle of 2026, while food price growth slowed and then turned negative from June. The Ministry of Finance's 2027 budget includes EUR 250 million for continued energy assistance to households, according to its 5 October 2026 release.

Official sources: Eurostat: HICP monthly rates of change (prc_hicp_minr) · Ministry of Finance: Government approved the 2027 budget

What is the VAT rate in Slovakia?

Slovakia has three VAT rates: a standard rate of 23% and reduced rates of 19% and 5%, according to the Financial Administration. These have applied since 1 January 2025.

From 1 January 2026, several kinds of food with higher sugar or salt content moved from the 19% rate to the standard 23% rate, while dietetic foods on the Ministry of Health's list stay at 19%. The Financial Administration publishes a list of affected goods prepared with the Slovak Food Chamber and a guide to which rate applies to food sold in shops and restaurants. The 19% rate also applies to serving drinks in restaurants and canteens, except alcoholic drinks above 0.5% alcohol.

Official sources: Financial Administration: VAT rates

What is the income tax rate in Slovakia?

Personal income tax in Slovakia for 2026 is 19% on the part of the tax base up to EUR 43,983.32, 25% up to EUR 60,349.21, 30% up to EUR 75,010.32 and 35% above that, according to the Financial Administration. Self-employed people with business income of up to EUR 100,000 pay 15% on that part of their income. Capital income is taxed at 19%.

The bands apply to the tax base after deductions such as the personal allowance, not to gross pay. Social and health insurance contributions are separate from income tax. The Financial Administration publishes the rates for each tax year on its support portal.

Official sources: Financial Administration: Personal income tax rates for 2026

What is the poverty rate in Slovakia?

16.7% of people in Slovakia were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, down from 18.3% in 2024, according to Eurostat's EU-SILC survey, carried out in Slovakia by the Statistical Office. The share was 16.5% in 2022 and 17.6% in 2023.

A person counts as at risk of poverty or social exclusion if their household income is below 60% of the national median, if the household is severely materially and socially deprived, or if its members work very little.

Official sources: Eurostat: At risk of poverty or social exclusion (ilc_peps01n)

What is Slovakia's inflation rate?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Slovakia was 4.0%, according to the IMF. The peak was 12.8% in 2022 and the low -0.5% in 2016. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 3.7%, and Slovakia placed 16th highest of 48. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 52nd highest.

How much do households in Slovakia spend per person?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Slovakia was $11,278, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 22nd highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $11,266. World rank, highest first: 30th of 124.

What share of people in Slovakia live in extreme poverty?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Slovakia was 0.5% in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2016, at 1.5%; its low point was 2019, at 0.2%. It is 14th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. Worldwide: 35th of 59.

What share of Slovakia lives below the poverty line?

In 2021, the share of people below the national poverty line in Slovakia was 13.7%, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 15.9%, and Slovakia placed 29th highest of 40. World rank, highest first: 57th of 72.

What is income inequality in Slovakia?

According to the World Bank, the Gini index in Slovakia was 23.8 in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 29.3; its low point was 2017, at 23.2. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 31.5, and Slovakia placed 34th highest of 34. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 58th highest.

How many people in Slovakia go hungry?

7.3%: that is moderate or severe food insecurity in Slovakia for 2024, according to the FAO. Its high point since 2015 was 2022, at 9.0%; its low point was 2017, at 5.0%. It is 28th highest of 45 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 7.6%. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 112th highest.