ELSTAT: food and housing are emptying the pockets of citizens

Annual report ELSTAT on household spending reflects new conditions of rising prices created by high inflation. The data relates to 2022 and shows how rising prices affected the living standards of Greek residents, who were forced to reduce their spending.

According to these data, average annual household expenditure for purchases in 2022 amounted to 19,204.08 euros (1,600.34 per month), recording an increase, at current prices, of 12.7% compared to 2021, with 50% of households spending more than 1,289 euros per month. However, average annual expenses in 2022 decreased by 24.5% compared to 2008 and by 18.2% compared to 2010.

According to ELSTAT, almost 50% of spending is limited to three categories: food and non-alcoholic beverages (20.9%), housing (14.5%) and transportation (13.3%). At the same time, double-digit growth was recorded for such essential food products as meat (11.1%), vegetables (10.0%), flour, bread, and cereals (9.2%).

As expected, rising prices led to reduce consumption products such as olive oil – 10.8%, yogurt – 7.0%, fish – 6.7%, milk – 5.5%.

The largest share of expenses in the budget of an average household at current prices falls on:

• food and non-alcoholic drinks (20.9%),
• housing (14.5%)
• transport (13.3%).

The smallest share of expenses (3.4%) falls on education services.

The largest percentage increase in household expenditure compared to the previous survey (2021) is observed:

• restaurants, cafes and hotels (30.9%),
• recreation and culture (30.3%),
• transport (17.8%),

The smallest percentage increase is observed in the communications sector (5.3%).

As for expenses on food and non-alcoholic drinks, compared with the previous survey (2021), there is an increase in average monthly expenses (at current prices) for the following items:

• meat (11.1%),
• vegetables (10.0%),
• other food products (9.9%),
• flour, bread, cereals (9.2%),
• dairy products and eggs (7.9%),
• oils and fats (3.8%),
• mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (2.5%),
• fish (1.8%) and fruits (1.3%).

A decrease in average monthly expenses (in current prices) is observed for the following items:

• sugar, jams, honey, syrups, chocolate (-0.3%)
• coffee, tea and cocoa (-0.1).

In addition, changes in average monthly consumption of food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco between 2021 and 2022 are presented. An increase is observed in food products, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, namely:

• 2.5% cigarettes
• 0.2% spirits
• 2.2% – food
• 2.2% – tobacco
• 0.2% spirits

The decrease is observed in the following items:

• olive oil, -10.8%
• yogurt, -7.0%
• fish, -6.7%
• milk, -5.5%
• fruits, -4.2%
• meat, -2.2%
• cheese, -2.0%
• bread, bakery products, -1.5%
• vermicelli, -1.3%
• vegetables, -1.3%
• rice, -1.1%

The average monthly amount of energy consumed in the main residence increased to:

• solid fuel (firewood, pellets, brushwood, etc.) – 37.7%
• natural gas – 8.3%.

Decrease:

• electricity, -11.5%
• liquefied gas, -11.1%
• liquid fuel, 1.4%

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