Austria’s households are facing mounting financial pressure, with a growing number of people saying their economic situation has worsened over the past year. A new report by the Austrian research institute IMAS paints a sobering picture of rising insecurity, especially among low-income earners and people living alone.
According to the survey, only 67 percent of Austrians now describe their financial condition as at least “rather good,” a noticeable decline from previous months. Meanwhile, 31 percent say their situation is “rather not good,” while 8 percent report that it is “not good at all.” Both figures have increased significantly since November, revealing a steady erosion of financial confidence across the country.
The divide between rich and poor has also become more visible. Higher-income households and people from stronger socio-economic groups continue to manage relatively well. In contrast, low-income earners and single-person households are carrying the heaviest burden. Among households earning less than €2,000 per month, nearly two-thirds said their financial condition had deteriorated over the last twelve months. Only a small minority reported any improvement.
The survey further highlights growing fears about the future. Half of all respondents expect their expenses to rise within the next three months, while only one in ten believe they will spend less. Concerns are especially strong among lower-income families and middle-income households earning between €3,000 and €4,000 monthly.
For many Austrians, the issue is no longer simply about saving money. It is about maintaining stability in everyday life as prices continue to climb and purchasing power weakens. The findings suggest that financial stress is spreading beyond traditionally vulnerable groups and increasingly affecting the broader middle class.
IMAS conducted the survey between April 8 and April 29, interviewing 1,030 people aged 16 and above in statistically representative face-to-face interviews across Austria.
