Europeans are paying up to 40% of their earnings on rent

Jun 1, 2021

A estate agent's sign advertising that a property is for rent.

Rates have steadily risen in many of Europe's cities. Image: Unsplash/Ethan Wilkinson

Alfred Kammer

Director, European Department, IMF

Andrea Schaechter

Advisor, European Department, IMF

Andreas Tudyka

Economist, European Department, IMF

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a chart showing the percentage of earnings spent on rent across europe

40% is generally the threshold for a household to be considered overburdened by rent payments. Image: World Bank

a chart showing the affordability gap

The affordability gap is growing. Image: World Bank

a chart showing renter and homeowner occupation

Renters are more likely to have jobs vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Image: World Bank

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COVID-19 European Union Cities and Urbanization

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