The heavy burden of rental expenses
Rent and related shelter costs represent a major drain on monthly disposable income for many families. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, households residing in rented accommodations spent an average of 23.4% of their total monthly budget on housing. Within this specific category, the direct payment of rent accounted for 17.3% of the overall household budget.
This high percentage suggests that a significant portion of income is locked into fixed housing costs, leaving less room for savings or discretionary spending. For many, the "roof over their head" is no longer just a basic necessity but a primary driver of financial instability. The pressure is felt most acutely by those who do not own their property, as they are more exposed to fluctuations in the rental market.
Socioeconomic disparities in essential spending
The impact of inflation and rising costs is not distributed equally across the population, creating a stark divide between different income levels. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, the combined share of spending on food, non-alcoholic beverages, and housing for the poorest 20% of the population reached 54.4% of their total household expenditure. In contrast, the wealthiest 20% of the population allocated only 34.5% of their budget to these same essential categories.
This disparity illustrates a fundamental economic reality: lower-income households must dedicate more than half of their resources to survival-based necessities. While the wealthy can allocate more of their income to luxury goods, investments, or services, the bottom quintile is caught in a cycle where most earnings are consumed by the most basic requirements of life. This gap underscores the widening inequality in cost-of-living pressures.
Shifts in domestic lifestyle and property ownership
Beyond the immediate costs of rent and food, recent data shows evolving trends in how households manage their assets and utilities. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, there was a 4.0% increase in the proportion of households that own a second property. This suggests a trend toward real estate accumulation among certain segments of the population, even as others struggle with primary residence costs.
Heating methods also remain a significant part of the domestic landscape. The survey indicates that 56.6% of households utilize central heating systems, such as oil or natural gas, as their primary heat source. Meanwhile, technological and utility shifts are also visible; for instance, there was a 2.4% decrease in the percentage of households maintaining a landline telephone, reflecting a broader move toward mobile communication and digital connectivity.
Summary of household budget trends
The economic landscape for households is characterized by high fixed costs and significant inequality. The data points to a dual reality where property ownership is increasing for some, while the cost of basic survival—housing and food—is consuming the vast majority of income for the most vulnerable. These shifts in spending patterns and utility usage provide a clear picture of the current socioeconomic climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income do renters spend on housing?
According to ELSTAT, in 2025, households living in rental properties spend an average of 23.4% of their total monthly budget on housing. Of this amount, the actual rent payment makes up 17.3% of the total household budget, highlighting the significant weight of shelter costs.
How does housing cost impact the poor compared to the wealthy?
The burden is significantly higher for lower-income groups. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, the poorest 20% of the population spent 54.4% of their budget on housing and food, whereas the wealthiest 20% spent only 34.5% on these same essential items.
Are more people owning second homes?
Yes, there is a growing trend in property ownership. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, the percentage of households possessing a second home increased by 4.0%, suggesting a rise in real estate investment or secondary residence usage among certain demographics.
What is the most common heating method?
Central heating remains the dominant method for most homes. According to ELSTAT, in 2025, 56.6% of households use central heating, such as natural gas or oil, as their primary source of warmth for their residences.
