Survey data from the Institute of the German Economy (IW) indicates that German households allocate a particularly high proportion of their finances to leisure activities compared to other EU nations. In 2024, Germans spent 9.6 percent of their consumer spending on sports, culture, and recreation, placing them just ahead of Sweden and significantly above the EU average of 7.5 percent. Conversely, Romania ranked last with only 2.6 percent.
Looking at overall household budgets, housing remains the largest expenditure item, accounting for roughly a quarter of consumer spending in Germany, mirroring the EU average. Czech citizens, for instance, spend a substantial amount on housing, while Croatian residents spend the least. In Germany, the proportion of rental payments to total expenses decreased between 2021 and the present, falling from 7.8 percent to 7.0 percent. When it comes to transportation, Germany ranks among the leaders with 14.2 percent allocated to the sector, whereas the share in Slovakia is the lowest at 5.8 percent.
The data suggests that European consumers’ spending habits are influenced by purchasing power, pricing structures, and cultural customs. For example, package holidays hold particular importance for Germans. Galina Kolev-Schaefer, an expert at the IW, noted that Germany continues to be a prosperous country, a reality reflected in its consumption patterns. High incomes and relatively affordable food prices enable Germans to afford more expenditure on leisure, sports, and culture.
