Business · Economy · 14 hrs ago
Rising prices are squeezing lower-income households in Spain
Families in Spain are facing high costs for food, energy and housing, according to a commentary on the pressure of inflation.
It says inflation is 4.9% and that lower-income workers, families with children, single-parent households and older people are especially affected.
In 2025, households with the lowest spending devoted 61.5% of their budgets to housing, utilities and food, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute.
The commentary says rising fuel and energy costs feed into food prices, while many families are switching to cheaper brands, seeking discounts and cutting leisure spending.
Government support, including energy vouchers, is described as insufficient and due for an update in January.
Spain’s central bank forecasts average inflation of 3.7% in 2027, while the European Central Bank warns energy costs will push food prices higher in coming quarters.
The commentary calls for political parties to agree on a pact to improve workers’ incomes and families’ living standards during the election campaign.
Inflation of 4.9% is weighing especially heavily on lower-income workers, families with children, single-parent households and older people in Spain.
Rising energy and fuel costs are adding to household bills and the price of food.
Lower-spending households devoted 61.5% of their budgets to housing, utilities and food in 2025, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute.
Families are turning to cheaper brands and offers, and cutting leisure spending.
The article says existing government support is insufficient and calls for an agreement on incomes to improve living standards.
- Who
- Lower-income households in Spain, particularly workers, families with children, single-parent households and older people.
- What
- Rising prices are straining household budgets and making it harder to afford food, energy and housing.
- When
- The article was published on 11 October 2026. It also cites 2025 household spending and a 2027 inflation forecast.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- Inflation and higher fuel and energy costs are raising household bills and food prices. The article also cites insufficient controls over the food supply chain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I hardly have anything in my basket
You don't know what to buy anymore
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- Inflation
- 4.9%
- Lower-spending households' budget share
- 61.5% went to housing, utilities and food in 2025
- Spain's National Statistics Institute
- Source of the 2025 household spending figure
- Bank of Spain forecast
- Average inflation of 3.7% in 2027
Sources
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