According to Eurostat, there are tremendous differences across the European Union when it comes to average hourly labour costs. In the EU28, average annual labour costs across the whole economy (excluding agriculture and public administration) were estimated at €23.7 in 2013.

The lowest labour costs per hour were recorded in Bulgaria, which had a mere €3.7. There is a massive gap between Bulgaria and Sweden where the highest average hourly labour costs were recorded. Workers in Sweden cost an average of €40.1 per hour.