Buying Beer In Bulk: Cheaper By The Case?

The price of a case of beer varies depending on the state you live in and the brand of beer you're buying. In 2024, the cheapest state to buy a case of beer was Illinois, with an average price of $15.20 to $16.43. The most expensive state was Alaska, with an average price of $31.21 to $33.62. The price of a case of beer can vary by over $7 depending on the state, and taxes play a significant role in price fluctuations.

Cheapest US states for beer

The cost of a case of beer varies across the United States, with prices differing by over $7 between states. Taxes are a significant factor in these price fluctuations. According to one source, the cheapest state to buy a case of beer in is Illinois, with an average price of $15.20 to $16.43 per case. Other inexpensive options include North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and Kansas, all of which offer cases of beer for under $17.30.

In contrast, Alaska has the most expensive beer, with an average case costing $31.21 to $33.62. Other costly states include Tennessee, Montana, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, where cases of beer typically exceed $22.

It is worth noting that these prices may not include state taxes or other fees, such as recycling charges, and that prices can vary within states depending on the retailer and location.

Most expensive US states for beer

The price of a case of beer varies significantly across the United States. While in the past, a case of beer could be purchased for $8 to $10, inflation and the rising cost of living have driven up beer prices across the country. In 2024, the average price of a case of beer in the US ranges from $14.62 to $33.62.

Alaska

The most expensive state to buy beer is Alaska, with an average cost of $33.62 per case. This is more than double the price of a case of beer in the cheapest state, Illinois. Alaska's remote location and high shipping costs likely contribute to the high price of beer in the state.

Tennessee

Tennessee is the second most expensive state for beer, with an average cost of $24.03 per case. Tennessee has a rich history of brewing and is known for its unique and diverse craft beer scene.

Montana

Montana ranks as the third most expensive state for beer, with an average price of $24.06 per case. Montana is home to a thriving craft beer industry, with many local breweries offering unique and innovative beers.

Vermont

Vermont is the fourth most expensive state when it comes to beer prices, with an average cost of $23.25 per case. Vermont has a strong craft beer culture and is known for its innovative and experimental breweries.

Pennsylvania

Rounding out the top five most expensive states for beer is Pennsylvania, where a case of beer will cost you an average of $23.21. Pennsylvania has a long history of brewing and is home to some of the oldest breweries in the United States.

Other Expensive States

Other states that are on the higher end of beer prices include Wyoming, Hawaii, and New Hampshire. These states have various factors influencing their beer prices, such as taxes, shipping costs, and local production levels.

Beer prices in the UK

The cost of producing beer in the UK has been impacted by the rising prices of raw materials. Regional breweries are turning to contract brewing to maintain production levels, while newer, smaller breweries are gaining traction in the market. Despite a general decline in beer sales, real ale has increased its market share. Major brewers such as Shepherd Neame, Greene King, and Marston's have invested in more efficient production facilities to boost capacity.

Additionally, the UK has experienced significant growth in microbreweries, partly due to reductions in Excise Duty since 2002. This has resulted in an increase in the variety of beers available, with over 8,000 regular beers and countless seasonal and one-off brews. The UK now has the highest number of breweries per capita in the world.

In terms of pricing, it is worth noting that beer prices can vary depending on the brand, pack size, and retail channel. On average, beer prices in pubs and restaurants tend to be higher than in retail shops. However, the specific prices for different brands and pack sizes can vary widely across different retailers and regions in the UK.

For those who enjoy brewing their own beer at home, the cost can vary depending on the equipment, ingredients, and utilities used. While the initial investment in equipment may be relatively high, the cost per pint can decrease significantly with subsequent batches. Home brewing also offers the advantage of customisation and the ability to control the ingredients and processes used.

Beer prices in Europe

The price of beer in Europe varies across the continent, with the cheapest beer generally found in the south, in the Balkans, and the most expensive in the north, in Scandinavia.

According to one source, Ukraine has the cheapest beer in Europe, with an average cost of just 49 pence or 58 cents. This is followed by the Czech Republic, where a pint costs around 71 pence, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it costs approximately 82 pence. In Kiev, Ukraine, there are several 'Euro' bars along Khreschatyk Street, where a large beer costs just €1.

In Western Europe, the Netherlands is the most expensive country for beer, with half a litre of domestic draught costing €5 on average. In the UK, prices vary across cities, with a 0.5-litre draught costing £1.76 in Aberdeen and £2.12 in London.

In Southern Europe, Thessaloniki in Greece is the most affordable city for beer, with an average price of £1.76 for a 0.5-litre draught. In comparison, a beer in Seville, Spain, will set you back £1.92 on average.

Moving to Eastern Europe, the cheapest country for beer is Romania, where half a litre of draught costs around €1.62. This is significantly cheaper than neighbouring countries like Croatia, where the same amount of beer costs €2.39.

How taxes affect beer prices

Taxes have a significant impact on beer prices, and understanding this relationship is crucial for both consumers and policymakers. In the United States, taxes are the most expensive ingredient in beer, contributing more to the final price than labour and raw materials combined. State and local beer taxes, along with federal excise taxes, can make up about 40% of the retail price of beer. These taxes are imposed on the production and distribution of beer and are often levied on manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers, who then pass them on to consumers through higher prices.

The impact of taxes on beer prices varies across states. For example, Wyoming has a low beer excise tax rate of $0.02 per gallon, while Tennessee has the highest rate at $1.29 per gallon. These differences can lead to significant variations in the cost of beer across states. Additionally, some states have tiered tax rates based on alcohol content, place of production, container size, or place of purchase, further complicating the tax landscape.

The pass-through rate, or the extent to which tax increases are reflected in retail prices, is an important factor. Studies have shown that beer prices tend to rise by more than the amount of the tax increase, a phenomenon known as "overshifting." This means that a 10-cent increase in beer taxes could result in a retail price increase of roughly 17 cents. However, the pass-through rate can vary depending on the specific brand, type of beer, and sales location.

Taxes on alcoholic beverages are often used as a public health policy tool to reduce alcohol consumption and its negative consequences. Research has consistently shown that higher prices, driven in part by taxes, lead to reduced alcohol consumption, particularly among heavier drinkers and adolescents. Additionally, higher prices can help reduce alcohol-related problems such as drinking and driving, alcohol-involved crimes, liver cirrhosis, and poor school performance.

Overall, taxes play a crucial role in determining beer prices and can have significant impacts on consumer behaviour and public health outcomes.

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