House rent in most EU capitals exceed minimum wage
An analysis by the European Trade Union Confederation reveals that average rents in most EU capital cities now exceed the local gross minimum wage. The report highlights a severe housing affordability crisis, particularly in cities like Prague, Lisbon, and Paris.
Why it matters
This data underscores the growing economic strain on low-wage workers in Europe and the widening gap between housing costs and statutory earnings.
Rents in most European Union capitals exceed the gross minimum wage, placing a significant financial burden on minimum-wage earners, according to an analysis by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) based on EU data.Housing and utility bills account for 23.6 per cent of household spending in the EU, according to Eurostat’s latest figures. The burden is particularly severe in major cities, where the average rent for a two-bedroom flat is higher than the monthly gross minimum wage in most EU countries with a statutory minimum wage.According to the analysis, Prague is the most expensive capital for minimum-wage earners. The average rent for a two-bedroom flat is 1,710 euros, compared with a gross minimum wage of 924 euros. Rent therefore amounts to 185 per cent of the minimum wage.Lisbon ranks second, at 168 per cent.
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