The study from Gisma University of Applied Sciences compared net minimum wages and average incomes against living costs across EU nations, revealing significant financial challenges for working people throughout Europe, particularly families.
In Belgium, a person earning minimum wage has 269.62 euros remaining after covering living expenses and rent, making it the sole EU country where minimum wage provides adequate financial support for a single person.
The situation is drastically different elsewhere.
Cyprus ranks at the bottom, with minimum wage earners facing a monthly deficit of 915.90 euros after essential expenses.
The Czech Republic follows closely with an 803.19 euro shortfall, while Malta shows a 796.59 euro deficit.
Germany performs relatively better but still leaves minimum wage earners 354.17 euros short of covering basic living costs.
For families of four with two working adults on minimum wage, the financial picture becomes even more challenging.
Even in Belgium and the Netherlands, which offer the most favourable conditions, families face monthly deficits of 768.25 euros and 1,292.24 euros, respectively.
The study deliberately excluded social benefits such as housing allowances and child benefits to provide a clearer comparison.
When examining average incomes rather than minimum wages, the situation improves considerably in many countries.
Denmark leads with 1,882.04 euros remaining after expenses for a single person, followed by Sweden (1,728.26 euros), the Netherlands (1,378.36 euros), and Germany (1,338.83 euros).
However, several countries still show deficits even at average income levels.
In Portugal, workers earn an average of 1,342 euros but face 1,620.22 euros in living costs, resulting in a 278.22 euro monthly shortfall.
Malta and Slovakia face similar challenges with deficits of 250.59 euros and 201.48 euros respectively.
For families of four living on average incomes, 16 EU countries show insufficient earnings to cover basic expenses.
Malta tops this list with a 1,468.62 euro deficit, followed by Greece (1,368.69 euros) and Portugal (1,339.07 euros).
Germany ranks fourth among countries where average income adequately supports a family, with 1,391.70 euros remaining after expenses.
Prof. Dr. Ramon O’Challaghan, President at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, said the study was for international students and workers considering careers in Europe.
“The analysis shows very clearly how great the financial challenges are even for working people in many parts of Europe – especially for families,” Prof. O’Challaghan said.
“Germany is one of the top countries in Europe in terms of the ratio of average income to cost of living – this is a strong argument in favour of qualified immigration and internationally trained specialists.”
