Brussels among most expensive cities in ‘Oasis’ index on cigarettes and alcohol

Brussels is one of the most expensive cities in the world to buy beer and cigarettes, according to Deutsche Bank’s Oasis Index.

The annual cost of living index, named after the British band Oasis’s song Cigarettes & Alcohol, tracks the cost of five beers and two packets of cigarettes, city by city.

Belgium’s capital rose to 18th place behind European counterparts London (5), Birmingham (6), Dublin (7), Helsinki (14) and Paris (16).

Just as the price of lipstick, coffee and McDonald’s Big Mac have previously been used as indicators of economic insights, Deutsche Bank’s research institute insists that its “novelty” metric of 69 cities across the globe provides a real view into living costs.

The most recent ‘Oasis’ report shows that Brussels, in the past six years, has risen rapidly through the ranks of most expensive cities.

In 2019, locals were paying between €18 and €20 for five beers and a pack of cigarettes. Today, you can safely double that figure and still might find yourself short of a pint or two.

But in comparison to the two most expensive cities in the world, Melbourne and Sydney, Brusseleers might consider themselves lucky as it would cost approximately €97 for the same quantity of alcohol and tobacco.

Somewhat like the Australian’s ‘sin tax’ which inflames the price of its beer and cigarettes, Belgium also applies high excise duties to tobacco products.

This tax is set to further increase in 2028 in line with EU-wide efforts to reduce smoking consumption.

Photo: ©Deutsche Bank Research Index - Mapping the World's Prices 2026