Fountain pen and co.

Styrian school start becomes a financial burden

A new study by the Styrian Chamber of Labor shows: Buying school supplies can cost almost 250 euros, and prices have risen sharply in some cases. This is difficult for many families to afford, which is why it is worth comparing prices.

Shortly before school starts, the Styrian Chamber of Labor took a look around the stores: How much does a 19-piece back-to-school kit including fountain pen, ink eraser and co. cost? The answer: Between 57 and 213 euros in specialist shops and between 40 and a whopping 242 euros in chain stores. On average, however, shopping at stores such as Pagro and Libro is around 23 euros cheaper. Either way, for many families, buying school supplies becomes a financial burden.

The price comparison is worthwhile
"It shows once again that a price comparison is essential for cost-effective shopping and that promotions are also easy on the wallet," says Josef Kaufmann from AK-Marktforschung.

Prices in specialist shops have risen by just under four percent, but have fallen by almost seven percent in the chains. What's more: It's not just starting school that costs money. On average, a school year costs an impressive 3027 euros per family.