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

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

2.1.2026 | Estonia

Hiiumaa’s Tireless Workhorse

Hiiumaa’s Tireless Workhorse

The Leiger, a modern ferry operating on the route between mainland Estonia and Hiiumaa, reached an impressive milestone just … Read more

31.12.2025 | Estonia

The Baltic Guide wishes everyone a Happy New Year! 

The Baltic Guide wishes everyone a Happy New Year! 

24.12.2025 | Estonia

Merry Christmas! The Baltic Guide wishes our readers a warm and festive holiday

Merry Christmas! The Baltic Guide wishes our readers a warm and festive holiday

12.12.2025 | Estonia

Tallinn Airport to Get Major Expansion

Tallinn Airport to Get Major Expansion

Estonia’s largest airport, Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport officially, will receive a substantial investment of at least €75 for upgrading … Read more

26.11.2025 | Estonia

Lies, damn lies, and statistics?

Lies, damn lies, and statistics?

Compiling statistics and analysing them is a difficult craft. A senior analyst at Statistics Estonia commented on the September … Read more

19.11.2025 | Estonia

Trio in Autumnal Narva

Trio in Autumnal Narva

How does a trip to Estonia’s easternmost city go with two dogs? And what does Narva offer for furry … Read more

13.11.2025 | Estonia

Tallinn’s Newest Hotels Offer Incredible Variety

Tallinn’s Newest Hotels Offer Incredible Variety

Staying the night in Tallinn gets easier, more convenient, and more luxurious every year, and 2025 is no exception. … Read more