Greek households are struggling to make ends meet, with sixty percent running out of money nearly two weeks before the end of the month, according to the annual report by the Small Enterprises’ Institute of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen – IME GSEVEE.
The survey found that for households whose income runs out early, earnings now cover an average of just 18 days per month, down from 19 days in 2024. The share of households reporting that their income is exhausted before month-end rose to a record 62.1%, up from 60.0% a year earlier.
Financial pressure remains widespread. About 54.0% of households said they are forced to cut back in order to meet basic needs, while 12.1% reported that their income is insufficient even for essentials. More than half of households — 55.7% — said they cannot, or can only with great difficulty, cope with an unexpected expense of 500 euros.
The findings point to growing economic insecurity, with several indicators worsening compared with last year. The proportion of households unable to cover basic needs rose from 11.7% in 2024, while the share forced to make spending cuts increased from 52.2%.
According to the survey, a growing majority of respondents favor structural measures to address high living costs, viewing wage increases, tax relief and tighter price controls as more effective than short-term support such as benefit payments or government-sponsored discount schemes.
The results highlight persistent cost-of-living pressures on Greek households, despite broader signs of economic stabilization.
