Financial hardship: two fifths of the Austrians suffer from inflation!

Financial hardship: two fifths of the Austrians suffer from inflation!

In a current survey carried out by the IMAS, 42% of Austrians find their financial situation worse than five years ago. This shows that many households suffer from increasing living costs. Women and older people who are often forced are particularly affected to save more in view of the price increases. According to the study, 40% of those surveyed have to do more do without more than before. For women, this value is even 45%, while 42% of the over 60 year olds confirm this statement.

The general perception is clear: the prices for many goods have increased. 15% of the respondents report a strong feeling of strain due to price increases, while 43% find this burden rather strong. Compared to 2023, the number of those who hardly perceive the inflation has increased: 27% of those surveyed report that they notice the inflations only slightly.

savings strategies of the Austrians

In order to deal with the higher prices, many Austrians have changed their savings habits. Save 29% save when you eat and order food. 22% of the respondents reduce predispositions and provisions or foregoing furniture and decoration. Saving is also made on vacation and gifts: 19% are considering savings in these areas, while 18% of the clothes, shoes and electronic devices make compromises.

Despite the pressure caused by the price increases, some do without austerity measures in the event of fixed costs. 22% of those surveyed do not save on rent, and 20% continue to spend money on sports shoes and equipment.

price changes in the food sector

Food prices have experienced significant increases in recent years. The prices for basic food have risen significantly: 1 kg bread currently costs around 3.50 euros, liters of milk 1.48 euros and 250 g butter are around 2.58 euros. More than 80% of the respondents report price increases in butter, cheese, bread, milk, eggs, salmon fillet and beef.

In addition, 60% of consumers perceive price increases in products such as whole milk chocolate, flour, sugar and detergent. Fresh products such as apples, chicken, rice and potatoes have also become more expensive. With regard to purchases, around 60% of those surveyed pay more attention to promotions and get several offers, while 48% benefit apps use the grocery stores.

The preference for second-hand products is rather low. Around 70% of those surveyed hardly ever use it, only 23% save in this way. In 2023, 31% were still ready to make second-hand purchases, which means a significant decline.

These results are part of a comprehensive study based on 1,034 personal interviews in March 2025 and is representative of the entire Austrian population. The challenges that many Austrians face in terms of their financial situation are significant and reflect the reality of an increasingly costly lifestyle. Further insights into the study and details on the financial burdens can be found in the [reports of imas] (https://imas.at/assets/rorts/2025-09/09_ taxation-und-sparen.pdf) Austria] (https://www.bankaustria.at/files/analysen_lebensmutenbosten_0322.pdf).