Private households in Germany are increasing spending on leisure, sports and culture

Private households in Germany are spending more money on leisure, sport and culture. On average, 309 euros per month were spent on this in 2024, as the Federal Statistical Office announced on Monday. This corresponds to 9.5 percent of total consumer spending of an average of 3,257 euros per month. For comparison: In 2022 the share was 8.6 percent or 245 euros.

This area includes, among other things, expenses for package tours, sporting goods, books, magazines, tickets or pets. With this share, the area of ​​leisure, sport and culture remains the fourth largest item in household budgets. Expenditure on housing, energy and maintenance continues to account for by far the largest share at 36.3 percent. This is followed by spending on food at 14.0 percent and on mobility at 13.8 percent.

However, the statisticians found that spending differs significantly depending on income. Private households with a monthly income of less than 1,300 euros spent only 5.7 percent or 76 euros on leisure, sport and culture. For households with an income of more than 5,000 euros, the proportion was almost twice as high at 10.7 percent or 545 euros.

According to the information, the type of household also plays a role. People living alone spent the least on this area at 8.3 percent of their consumer spending. The highest number was among couples without children at 10.1 percent. Households of single parents (9.9 percent) and couples with children (9.8 percent) were in between.

12,000 households are surveyed each year for the survey. Households from almost all social groups are included – except for self-employed households. Participants document their income and expenses for one month on a voluntary basis.