Private households in Germany 2023, by net income level

In 2022, there were 708,000 German households with a household net income of under 500 euros per month. The majority of households had a monthly income of over 5,000 euros.

Disposable net income

While at first glance the aforementioned monthly income may seem manageable, based on general German standards of living, it is worth noting that flexibility and expenditure depends on the number of people living in a household, or rather the number of earners in relation to that number. In the case of employed population members, what remains as disposable net income is influenced by various regular payments made by households after the already taxed salary arrives. These payments include, but are not limited to, rent, different types of insurance, repaying loans, fees for internet and mobile phone services.

Food and housing

When looking at private household spending in Germany, consistent patterns emerge. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel made up the largest share and will increase even further in the coming months, followed by food, beverages, and tobacco.