Spending of the Average European Citizen

Are you interested in how much European citizens are spending and on what? In this article, we will look at the 2019 Eurostat survey, in order to better understand how much you spend compared to the EU average.

Unfortunately, data for 2020 is not yet available, but perhaps even better given that 2020 would not reflect the real situation.

I hope everyone reading this keeps track of their expenses and knows how much money they spend in which category. If you don’t know you can read the article Save Money With These Simple Steps and start tracking your expenses right away.

So why do we spend? People spend for two primary reasons, First is to satisfy their needs and second for pleasure. Pleasure, of course, prevails in today’s world of hyper-consumer society. I wrote more about this in an article on a Consumer Society that I find important to raise awareness about in order to have a quality life.

Household Expenditure by Consumption Purpose

It is important to say that in 2019, EU total household expenditure amounted to 52,6% of GDP. Given that this is the European Union average for 2019, it is very likely that this is how your consumption looks like. In each and every one of these categories, you can try to save money.

Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels

The most money we spend is on housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels in a total of 23,5%. I feel like I don’t have to stress that we need to be as economical as possible in this area and cut as many costs as possible.

Transportation Spending

We spend on transport a total of 13.1%. Someone who wants to achieve financial freedom should definitely make additional savings here. Therefore, it should certainly be in the lower places. We should look for alternative options for our transport if it is cycling or public transport to a certain part. Here we see how transportation is definitely a luxury.

Food and Non Alcoholic Beverages

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are in third place. I think this should be one of the higher household expenses, taking into account that we distribute food optimally. If we discipline ourselves to shop on a monthly basis and look at discounts in stores, we can save a lot of both time and money.

Miscellaneous Goods and Services Spending

We spend on miscellaneous goods and services 11,2% which generally can be worth that much if we spend on insurance, social protection, and financial services. On the other hand, too much spending on personal care and personal effect could be a big waste of money.

Recreation and Culture Spending

Recreation and culture is 8,7% and again it could make sense and not depending on what are we spending here. For example, all books are considered good investments. It definitely could improve your standard of life, but too many recreational items shouldn’t be bought.

Restaurants and Hotels Spending

Restaurants and hotels are 8,7% and this could be lower on the scale since it is not mandatory. We can cook at home and make healthier meals. If you think you don’t have time for making meals, trust me, you have. Make meals for a couple of days it will be a both time saver and money saver. Of course, if you like to go to a restaurant and eat, go but keep it under budget and decide if it is worth prolonging your financial goals. I am not sure how much of % is on hotels, but I am sure you can find apartments that are actually better than hotels and more affordable. 

Household Maintenance and Equipment Spending

On total household maintenance and equipment goes about 5,5%. It is considered conservative for the repair or servicing of household goods, furniture, garden, etc.

Clothing and Footwear Spending

Clothing and footwear is 4,6% and I don’t think we should impress others with the latest model of clothes. We can live cheaper with normal clothes or God forbid buy from a discount store that sells out-of-fashion goods. I know, I am not into fashion.

Health Spending

Health is 4,4%. I guess that is not bad since it is in the lower part of the circle. That means we are healthy as citizens. Our focus should be on health, so we should strive to exercise regularly, eat healthily and live a stress-free life. If your health itself is not enough motivation to do so, try to estimate how much the resulting disease could cost you. After I do that, I can eat broccoli all day long.

Alcoholics, Beverages, Tobacco, and Narcotics Spending

I like to see alcoholics, beverages, tobacco, and narcotics on the lower end of the circle, but this should definitely be cut off from the diagram. We need to relax but don’t make it a habit. Tobacco? Please don’t do that. I am not sure if it is worse for your health or pocket.

Communications Spending

Communications seem reasonable at 2,4%. You sure need to tell friends about this new cool blog that you found out. Please send me a message as well when you find it.

Education Sending

Now, what really makes me sad is that 0,9% we spend on education. This should be a priority of every man alive. It will make your life better.

Conclusion

Compare this data with your spending and look at how much you spend trying to watch out for unnecessary expenses. Consequently, invest more in things that will help you earn more in the future. For example, in education and health.

I love to think about expenditures as a goal prolonger. Whenever I decide to spend something, I like to know how many hours/days/months I have to work to get back on track. Based on that I make my decision. If you have a 9-5 job like me, trust me, you won’t spend a dime. Just joking, I love my job, sometimes.