European purchasing power to rise in 2026

Average per capita purchasing power in Europe is set to reach €21,153 in 2026, representing nominal growth of 4.4% compared with the revised previous-year figure. Total purchasing power across the 42 countries surveyed amounts to approximately €14.5 trillion, according to NIQ’s Purchasing Power Europe 2026 study.

Differences between countries

Significant differences remain between countries. Liechtenstein ranks first with per capita purchasing power of €78,520, followed by Switzerland at €54,730 and Iceland at €44,692. Germany ranks ninth, with €31,193 per inhabitant. Norway recorded the largest improvement among the top ten, climbing five places to fifth position.

Overall, 17 of the 42 countries surveyed exceed the European average, while 25 remain below it. Ukraine ranks last, with per capita purchasing power of €3,456, equivalent to around 16% of the European average.

Regional differences

Regional differences are also evident within individual countries. In Romania, for example, per capita purchasing power in the Bucharest region reaches €22,941, more than twice the national average of €11,283. Among metropolitan regions, Île-de-France has total purchasing power of approximately €396 billion, followed by Lombardy at €272 billion and the Istanbul metropolitan region at €227 billion.

NIQ’s study measures nominal disposable income after taxes and social security contributions, including transfer payments. The figures are not adjusted for inflation and cover spending on housing, consumption, services, energy, mobility, private retirement provision and leisure.

Source: https://nielseniq.com/global/de/news-center/2026/kaufkraft-der-europaeer-steigt-2026-auf-21153-euro/