How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in These 10 European Countries?

TerryJ / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

The concept of being middle class varies across Europe, influenced by factors like cost of living, income distribution and economic conditions. With 44 countries and territories, some regions require higher earnings to maintain a middle-class lifestyle, while others offer financial stability with more modest incomes.

Many European nations also provide support, such as universal healthcare and public education, which helps reduce financial strain and ensure a comfortable standard of living. Here’s an overview of the income needed to be considered middle class in 10 European countries.

Next find out how much you need to make to live comfortably in Europe’s 10 largest cities.

Germany: High Prices, Stable Lifestyle  

In Germany, middle-class income typically ranges from about $31,440 to $56,600 per year (€30,000 to €54,000) for a single person, and $50,300 to $94,300 (€48,000 to €90,000) for a family of four.

This can vary by region, with higher costs in cities like Munich and Frankfurt. Germany also has a strong social welfare system, which plays a role in helping many citizens maintain a middle-class lifestyle even if their earnings are on the lower end of the spectrum.

France: Bills and Baguettes

In France, the middle class typically earns between $26,000 and $75,500 (€25,000 and €72,000) after taxes, according to Fab Expat.

A single person in Paris would need about $41,200 to afford a studio apartment, which costs around $1,060 per month, while still enjoying the café culture. Suburban families need at least $61,800 to cover costs like schooling and transportation.

While social safety nets provide some relief, inflation is tightening budgets. For example, a cup of coffee in France averages $3.10, which could add up to about $93 a month for regular coffee drinkers.

United Kingdom: Regional Differences and a Diverse Economy

In the U.K., the middle class is typically defined by income, family size and location. For a single person, middle-class income usually falls between $25,000 and $49,000 (£24,000 and £42,000) per year, while for a family of four, it’s generally between $44,000 and $75,000 (£42,000 and £72,000).

However, the cost of living in the U.K. can vary greatly, especially in high-demand areas, like London and the southeast.

Italy: La Dolce Vita on a Budget

Italy’s middle class has experienced stagnation in recent years due to slow wage growth and high unemployment rates among younger workers. In Italy, being middle class means earning anywhere from $18,900 to $31,400 (€18,000 to €30,000) a year as a single person, or between $37,700 and $62,900 (€36,000 and €60,000) for a family of four, based on data from Statista.

Of course, this changes depending on where you live — big cities like Rome and Milan are much more expensive, so you’ll need a higher income to keep up.

Spain: Affordable Beach Life  

Spain’s middle class is defined by annual household incomes between $18,900 and $52,400 (€18,000 and €50,000), according to data from Relocate.me.

In Madrid and Barcelona, where rents and property prices are high, households often require at least $31,400 (€30,000) per year to maintain a middle-class standard of living. Despite economic improvements since the 2008 financial crisis, many Spanish workers still face job insecurity, particularly younger generations who struggle with lower wages and temporary contracts.

Netherlands: Well-Distributed Wealth and High Quality of Life

The Netherlands is known for its high quality of life, strong social welfare system and well-distributed wealth. A household earning between $36,700 and $89,100 (€35,000 and €85,000) per year is typically considered middle class, according to data from the OECD Better Life Index.

In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, the cost of housing has surged in recent years, requiring higher incomes to sustain a comfortable lifestyle.

Sweden: High Taxes, High Quality of Life

Sweden’s middle class benefits from a strong welfare state, universal healthcare and free education. To be considered middle class, a household usually earns between $32,900 and $84,500 (SEK 350,000 and SEK 900,000) annually, according to the most recent available data from Statista.

Living costs are highest in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, where middle-class households often need an income closer to $46,900 (SEK 500,000) or more to sustain a comfortable standard of living.

Poland: Rising Costs, Rising Ambitions

As one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, Poland has seen significant expansion in its middle class, Warsaw Business Journal reported. A household income of $22,800 to $63,200 (PLN 90,000 to PLN 250,000) per year is generally considered middle class.

Rural areas, however, have lower expenses, allowing middle-class households to live comfortably with incomes closer to $22,800 (PLN 90,000).

Portugal: Low Salaries, High Charm

Portugal’s middle class is defined by household incomes between $15,700 and $41,900 (€15,000 and €40,000) per year. Lisbon and Porto have the highest cost of living, making it necessary to earn at least $26,200 (€25,000) annually for middle-class financial security.

Despite relatively lower wages compared to other Western European nations, Portugal attracts expatriates and remote workers due to its affordable living costs, especially outside major cities.

Switzerland: High Cost, High Standard of Living

Switzerland has one of the world’s highest costs of living, and middle-class status requires a significantly higher income than in most other European countries, Properstar reported. A household income between $89,200 and $200,800 (CHF 80,000 and CHF 180,000) is generally considered middle class.

Switzerland’s strong economy and high wages ensure that even middle-class households maintain a high quality of life.

Share This Article: