According to a newly published survey, more than half of the respondents (52 percent) describe their household financial management as moderate, indicating they have enough for daily needs but must save for significant expenses.
One in three people (29 percent) believe they live well and can afford many things without the need to save up. A minority of 4 percent stated they live very well, enjoying a certain level of luxury lifestyle. Conversely, 14 percent of those surveyed pointed to a modest lifestyle requiring very frugal financial management, and 1 percent reported living very poorly, with insufficient means even for basic needs.
The Center for Public Opinion Research (CBOS) noted an improvement in living standards over the past year.
“There has been an increase in the percentage of people declaring that they live well or very well from 27 percent to 33 percent, and a decrease in those living very poorly or modestly from 18 percent to 15 percent. Currently, the share of those satisfied with their financial situation is among the highest in the history of our research. A similarly high percentage of positive evaluations was recorded in 2019, while the lowest percentage of those living very poorly or modestly was in the second half of 2020,” the report stated.
The study highlighted that satisfaction with living standards is more often reported by respondents from households with higher per capita incomes. Those with lower per capita household incomes — up to 2,000 PLN (approximately €465 euros) — more frequently declare living poorly or modestly (31 percent), whereas satisfaction levels increase with income.
Only among the most affluent, in households where per capita income is at least 4,000 PLN (about €930), does a majority declare living well or very well (62 percent).
Life satisfaction assessments are significantly influenced by age and education.
“Younger respondents — up to 44 years of age (39-46 percent depending on the category) — more often express satisfaction, and with age, the share of those declaring a modest or very modest life increases (25 percent of respondents aged 65+),” the report indicated.
CBOS added that, generally, better-educated respondents more often declare living very well or well and less frequently state they are living very modestly or modestly.
“Among socio-professional groups, self-employed individuals (68 percent) and managerial staff and specialists with higher education (63 percent) most often express satisfaction with their living standards, while pensioners (34 percent) express dissatisfaction,” the center explained.
Furthermore, the center reported a decrease in the percentage of people fearing poverty from 32 percent to 27 percent over the last year, while those feeling secure about their financial future increased from 25 percent to 31 percent.
“The lowest level of poverty fears in the history of our research and simultaneously the highest percentage of those completely calm about their financial future was recorded in 2019. Events in subsequent years, including the pandemic, the war beyond our eastern border, and rapidly rising prices, have shaken the financial security of Poles. Fears of poverty grew in the following years, and only this year have we registered a decrease,” the publication noted.
