- Expensive start of school in Thuringia
Back-to-school supplies like pens, new notebooks, and backpacks can be quite expensive. Some families in Thuringia might have felt this more acutely than last year as the prices of stationery and art supplies increased by 2.1% in July compared to the previous year, according to the State Office of Statistics. School bags and backpacks also became 1.0% more expensive. Overall, consumer prices rose by 2.4% compared to July of the previous year.
This trend was also evident in leisure activities: those who wanted to swim in a pool in Thuringia during the summer holidays had to pay 5.7% more for entry, according to statisticians. The cost of a cinema visit even increased by 9.8% compared to July 2023.
Despite the increase in school supplies costs, some families managed to save by purchasing essentials during sales periods. The high demand for school bags and backpacks led to an increase in their prices, aligning with the overall 2.4% rise in consumer prices.
