Greek households' spending on purchases down 9.9 pct in 2020

Greek households' average annual spending on purchases fell 9.9 pct in 2020, falling to 15,981.96 euros (1,331.83 euros per month) compared with 2019, as a result of the pandemic and the lockdown, Hellenic Statistical Authority said on Wednesday.

More specifically, the report said that 50 pct of households spent more than 1,080 euros per month, with households living in rented accommodation spending 19.8 pct of their budget on average on rent. The highest average annual spending was recorded in Attica (18,401.52 euros) and the lowest in Central Greece (11,193.24 euros). The average annual spending per person was 6,255.60 euros, down 9.9 pct from 2019. Average spending on food, non-alcoholic beverages and housing for the poorest 20 pct of the population accounted for 58.2 pct of household spending, while the equivalent spending for the richest 20 pct of the population accounted for 29 pct of household spending.

Food and beverages accounted for 23.1 pct of average spending, followed by housing (15.3 pct) and transport (12.3 pct). The biggest negative percentage change in household spending in 2020 was recorded in leisure/culture (36.4 pct), hospitality (35.4 pct), clothing/footwear (27.4 pct), while increases were recorded in food (4.2 pct), alcohol/tobacco (3.9 pct), education (2.6 pct), health (1.3 pct) and communication (0.8 pct).

The report said that households living in rural areas spent an average of 1,085.33 euros per month in 2020, while those living in urban areas spent 1,404.28 euros. A 15.6 pct of the population faced the risk of poverty.