Monthly consumer spending per household in Germany 2022, by segment

In 2022, total private consumer spending per German household was around 2,850 euros. This sum was made up of various types of costs, of which the largest share was taken up by housing, energy, and home maintenance. Other large spending groups included food and transport.

To spend or not to spend

On average, the graph at hand is a representation of the life of German consumers, and the financial decisions which must be made in terms of spending. Individual consumer goods recorded varying levels of expenditure over the years. For example, German consumers spent more on clothing and shoes after the COVID-19 pandemic than before. Food spending has also increased annually in recent years. While shoppers may not necessarily be buying more food than usual, higher food prices since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 are a contributing factor. Many are taking a second look at their spending plans and budgets. 

Money worries

Living costs have taken the hit among the German population, some of whom have already faced previous financial challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not only more expensive grocery runs, but also climbing energy prices had the potential to stretch German household spending to a critical point. However, monthly inflation figures have been decreasing again since the end of 2022 and have come back to a normal level of around two percent.