Greece's housing costs consume 36% of household income, exceeding 50% for low earners

Housing costs absorb an average of 36% of household income in Greece, rising above 50% for low-income households, according to a report published by Greek news outlet Thraki.com.gr. The figures highlight the growing pressure on household budgets from housing expenses and essential utility bills.

The reported costs extend beyond rent to include electricity, water, heating, internet, building maintenance fees and other shared expenses. These recurring payments leave households with less disposable income for food, transport, healthcare and other everyday needs.

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS FACE THE GREATEST PRESSURE

The financial burden is unevenly distributed. According to the report, housing takes up a larger share of income among poorer households, while the proportion generally declines as earnings increase.

Homeownership can reduce monthly housing costs by eliminating rent, although homeowners still face utility bills, maintenance expenses and other property-related costs. Renters, particularly those on lower incomes, face additional pressure from rental payments alongside rising household bills.

UNPAID BILLS AND ACCUMULATING DEBTS

Financial strain is also affecting households' ability to pay their bills on time. The report describes residents alternating between payments for electricity, water and shared building expenses as they struggle to cover all costs each month.

Delays in paying communal building charges can lead to accumulating arrears and make it harder to resolve outstanding payments.

ENERGY POVERTY ADDS TO THE HOUSING CRISIS

The report also cites an energy-poverty figure of 19% for Greece, attributing further pressure to older buildings that lack modern energy-efficiency standards. Poor insulation and inefficient heating systems can increase electricity and heating bills, disproportionately affecting households with limited financial resources.

Reducing energy costs, improving the energy efficiency of existing homes and strengthening household purchasing power are among the measures identified as important to easing the burden.

The figures presented by Thraki.com.gr point to the scale of Greece's housing affordability challenge. However, the article does not specify the underlying dataset, reference year or precise methodology for the 36%, 50% and 19% estimates. These figures should therefore be treated as reported estimates rather than independently verified current European rankings.