Oktoberfest prices reflect costs and city benchmarks

A litre of beer costs an average of 15.61 euros at this year’s Oktoberfest, while a litre of water costs 11.13 euros, BR reports. Prices are set by the festival’s tent operators and reviewed by the City of Munich.

Beer prices range from 14.80 to 15.90 euros depending on the tent. Water prices vary more widely, from 8 euros for the cheapest litre to 15.33 euros for the most expensive, which is more than beer costs in the cheapest tents.

How operators calculate the prices

The Oktoberfest tent operators calculate and set their beverage prices according to business requirements. In previous years, the Association of Munich Oktoberfest Tent Operators cited rising purchasing, energy and wage costs, as well as inflation, as factors driving prices higher.

As the event organiser, the city checks whether the prices are reasonable. It compares them with prices charged by large food and drink businesses elsewhere in Munich.

City compares water prices

In large restaurants and similar businesses in Munich’s city centre, a litre of tap or mineral water cost between 8.50 and 9 euros in May 2026, according to the Munich Oktoberfest press office. The difference from the average Oktoberfest price of 11.13 euros is therefore just over 2 euros.

The press office said the difference could be considered reasonable in view of the factors driving prices higher. It also pointed to the festival’s daily live music and extensive programme, as well as free admission.

Why water costs more in some tents

A spokeswoman for the Kuffler Weinzelt, where water is the most expensive when calculated by the litre, said the price could not be compared directly with those of other tents. The wine tent sells water by the bottle, while some other tents serve sparkling tap water produced on site, she said.

She also pointed to other non-alcoholic drinks, including lemonade, which costs 5.20 euros for 0.5 litres in the tent.

Free drinking water available

Visitors can also use drinking water fountains at the Oktoberfest. Ten fountains are marked on this year’s festival map, where people can fill their thirst for free.

The average beer price has risen from 15.25 euros in 2025, an increase of 2.38 percent. Some tents, however, have kept their prices unchanged.