Over the past few decades, the structure of consumer spending among Polish households has significantly transformed. In the 1990s, food accounted for approximately 40% of the family budget, but today this figure has decreased to around 20%.
This is reported by Finway
“The reduction in food spending occurs against the backdrop of rising housing costs, which, along with food, remains one of the main categories of expenses for Polish families.”
Changes in the Structure of Consumer Spending
The decrease in the share of spending on food is observed not only in Poland but also in many countries of the European Union. For example, the Irish spend less than 10% of their income on food, while residents of Romania and Bulgaria spend over 30%. Experts view this trend as a positive development, indicating an increase in the purchasing power of citizens. The freed-up funds allow for greater investment in housing, transportation, education, and leisure.
Food Expenses in Different Household Groups
According to Professor Anna Dudek, the structure of spending in Poland is gradually approaching European standards. Singles and small families spend the least on food, while in larger families, the share of spending on food is significantly higher. This share is particularly high in low-income households that rely on social assistance.
Thus, the reduction in food spending reflects an overall increase in the well-being of Polish families and provides them with more opportunities to improve their quality of life.