Sweden has the highest energy costs per person

Europe dominates the ranking of countries based on annual household energy costs per person in 2025. Visualcapitalist.com compiled the ranking, and the figures, which come from the International Energy Agency (IEA), include electricity, gas, heating and other fuels used in homes, but exclude transportation costs.

While Europe is at the top of the ranking, household energy costs are substantially lower in much of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

• Finland and Austria round out the Top 3

Sweden tops the list with annual energy spending of $1,926 per person in 2025. Finland follows with $1,786, and Austria is in third place with $1,709. Up to 10th place, the rankings are as follows: Denmark ($1,583), Germany ($1,450), Switzerland ($1,388), Czech Republic ($1,214), France ($1,195), Italy ($1,139), Netherlands ($1,137).

At the other end of the scale, Bolivia spends just $25 per person, followed by Algeria ($29) and Egypt ($35).

• Why bills are higher in some countries

High household energy costs reflect a combination of factors, rather than just prices, the cited source notes. Colder climates require more heating, higher incomes often support larger homes, increased energy consumption, including air conditioning, and many European countries also face relatively high retail prices for electricity and gas.

Outside Europe, the United States ($1,042), Canada ($748), Japan ($683), New Zealand ($675), Chile ($587) and Uruguay ($574) are among the few economies that appear near the top of the rankings. Romania ranks 34th, just behind Uruguay, with $464.

Even within Europe, costs vary considerably, reflecting differences in climate, energy mix, home energy efficiency and government support.

• North America lags behind European leaders

The United States ranks 16th in the list, with household energy spending of $1,042 per person. That's lower than Sweden, but still significantly higher than spending in most of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Canada ranks 22nd, with $748 per person, despite its colder climate.

• Wide gaps among emerging markets

Household energy spending drops significantly toward the bottom of the rankings. China spends $173 per person annually, while India spends $52 and Pakistan spends $54. Several African countries appear near the bottom of the rankings, including Senegal at $89, Tunisia at $72, Egypt at $35, and Algeria at $29.

Lower household energy costs should not be interpreted as increased efficiency. They may also reflect lower incomes, limited access to modern energy services, smaller living spaces, a warmer climate, government subsidies, or lower electricity and fuel prices.