European households continue to devote a large share of their spending to basic necessities, with food, housing and transport accounting for almost half of total household
consumption expenditure across the European Union.
Eurostat data for January 2026 show that 46% of household spending in the EU went towards three major categories: food and non-alcoholic drinks, housing-related costs including water and energy, and transport.
The figures underline the central role of these essentials in household finances, particularly as all three areas have experienced significant price increases in at least one of the past several years.
Housing, water and energy represented the largest component of household consumption, reflecting the substantial financial burden associated with keeping homes heated, powered and maintained. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also remained a major expense, while transport continued to account for a significant proportion of household budgets.
The composition of household spending changed somewhat over the year to January 2026, although essential costs continued to dominate.
The largest increase in the share of household expenditure was recorded for recreation, sport and culture. Spending in this category rose by 1.2 percentage points compared with January 2025.
Restaurants and accommodation services also gained ground, increasing their share by 0.3 percentage points, while education recorded a smaller rise of 0.1 percentage points.
At the same time, households allocated a smaller proportion of their spending to several other categories.
Transport saw the largest decline, with its share falling by 0.4 percentage points year on year. Information and communication followed, down by 0.3 percentage points.
The changes provide a snapshot of how European consumers are adjusting their household budgets as prices and spending patterns evolve.
Although the relative share devoted to some discretionary areas has increased, the overall structure of household consumption remains heavily concentrated on essential goods and services. Food, energy, housing and mobility are particularly important because price movements in these sectors can have a direct and substantial impact on household finances.
The latest figures are included in Eurostat's Key Figures on Europe – 2026 edition, which examines recent developments across the EU in areas ranging from living standards and the economy to business, the environment and natural resources.
The statistics are based on the harmonised index of consumer prices and provide an overview of the changing structure of household consumption across the bloc.