Who has the cheapest beer in the world?

·7 Jul 2014

South Africa may not have the cheapest beer in the world at an average of R18.00, but still compares favourably when put up against the likes of Iran at R82.00.

This is according to a beer price comparison compiled by FinancesOnline.com, using Numbeo cost of living data for countries across the globe.

A World Health Organization report issued earlier this year found South Africa to have the highest alcohol consumption rate in Africa, and one of the highest in the world.

More than a quarter (25.6%) of the drinking population in South Africa are considered binge drinkers, consuming at least 60 grams or more of pure alcohol in one session within a 30-day period.

And the drink of choice? Beer – with 48% of the drinking population choosing bread-in-a-can as their primary go-to drink.

According to FinancesOnline’s findings, South Africa aren’t the biggest spenders on beer, with an annual per-person average spend of $147.86 (R1,588.51).

Compared to other countries measured, South Africa’s average beer cost is in the middle-to-low reaches of the scale.

However, it’s Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia that offer beers for the cheapest, the group said.

Vietnam and Ukraine are the cheapest in the world with beer at 59 cents (R6.34) per bottle, while other beer-friendly countries include: Cambodia, Czech Republic, China, Serbia, and Panama.

“On the other hand, if you’re a heavy drinker, better avoid the Middle East. Not because alcohol is officially banned in many countries there (you can drink in designated places), but they have the priciest beers in the world,” Finance Online said.

In Iran one beer is equivalent to 13 bottles in Ukraine – $7.71 (R82.83).

The infographic below calculated which countries pay most and least for beer every year based on consumption and beer price.

Germans are the third heaviest beer drinkers in the world, and as such are also one of the biggest spenders, too, shelling out $235 per year on the alcohol.