We know Estonia
9.1.2023 | Estonia

Estonians better than other Europeans at managing their household finances

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Alexander Grey / Unsplash

Estonians better than other Europeans at managing their household finances

 

According to a survey conducted by Intrum, Estonian consumers are faring better than other Europeans on average when it comes to managing their household finances in several key aspects.

The survey found that while 77 per cent of Estonians reported that their bills were increasing faster than their income, only 10 per cent of households were left with less than 10 per cent of their income after paying bills. This is significantly lower than the European average, where 25 per cent of households are left with such a small amount of disposable income. 33 per cent of Estonian respondents say that over half of their salary is left after paying all their household bills, which is the second highest number of all the countries surveyed by Intrum.

Estonians are also the most likely to have paid all their bills on time, with 85 per cent saying they hadn’t made any late payments. Across Europe, a quarter of people (26 per cent) have borrowed money or reached their credit card limit to pay bills in the last six months compared with 27 per cent in 2021. In Estonia, this figure is significantly lower at 14 per cent.

According to Ilva Valeika, Managing Director at Intrum Baltics, the survey also found that renters in Estonia are faring worse than homeowners or mortgage holders when it comes to disposable income. “However, overall Estonians are still doing better in several key areas of managing personal finances than a lot of their European counterparts, who are struggling with higher levels of debt and less disposable income,” said Valeika.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Borrowing Credit Cards Estonians Household Finances Intrum Managing Finances Managing Household Finances Paying Bills

19.1.2026 | Estonia

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

17–25 January, Pärnu Contemporary Music Days, Pärnu A solid week of workshops, symposia, and of course concerts featuring contemporary … Read more

15.1.2026 | Estonia

Estonia’s at the Travel Fair

Estonia’s at the Travel Fair

At the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, travel both near and far is on the agenda for the rest … Read more

15.1.2026 | Estonia

Ferries to Estonia Are Becoming More Environmentally Friendly

Ferries to Estonia Are Becoming More Environmentally Friendly

Both Eckerö Line and Tallink, the ferry operators transporting passengers and cargo between Helsinki and Tallinn, have announced measures … Read more

14.1.2026 | Estonia

Tallinn and Estonia’s Weather Cameras for Planning What to Wear on Your Trip

Tallinn and Estonia’s Weather Cameras for Planning What to Wear on Your Trip

Many people heading to Estonia on a day cruise or a trip of several nights ask in online groups … Read more

13.1.2026 | Estonia

By Train From Tallinn to Riga—a New Afternoon Departure

By Train From Tallinn to Riga—a New Afternoon Departure

Elron, which operates passenger rail services in Estonia, yesterday on 12 January launched a daily direct afternoon connection from … Read more

10.1.2026 | Estonia

Travel to Estonia via the Matka Travel Fair!

Travel to Estonia via the Matka Travel Fair!

Estonia and the Baltic Guide magazine will once again be well represented at the Matka 2026 Travel Fair in … Read more

9.1.2026 | Estonia

What Are People Talking About?

What Are People Talking About?

14-year sentence for treason Pro-Russian Estonian politician Aivo Peterson was sentenced to 14 years in prison for treason on … Read more

3.1.2026 | Estonia

These Were Your Favourite Articles of 2025

These Were Your Favourite Articles of 2025

At the start of the new year, it’s a good moment to take a look back and list the … Read more