The cost of utilities is one of the key factors that affect the overall standard of living in any country. The costs of electricity, water, heating, and other basic services can vary significantly. Learn more about the differences in utility bills in Ukraine and abroad

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Utilities are an important component of every family's expenses, and their share in the family budget varies significantly depending on the country of residence. In Ukraine, these costs amount to about UAH 3,358 (EUR 75) per month for a three-room apartment, which is a significant portion of an average family's income. Studies show that 66% of the budget of Ukrainian families goes to food and mandatory payments, which is significantly higher than in most countries.

Let's take a look at how utility costs look like in some European countries.

Germany

In Germany, utilities cost an average of 300 euros (~13,080 UAH) per month. The bulk of the costs are for electricity (80-100 euros), heating and hot water (80-120 euros), water supply (35-55 euros), and garbage collection (18-28 euros). At the same time, the average “net” salary is 2,400 euros (~105,720 UAH). Thus, utility costs account for only about 12.5% of income.

Poland

In Poland, the average cost of utilities for a three-room apartment is 240.2 euros (~10,472 UAH), with an average salary of 1,356 euros (~60,287 UAH). This is 17.7% of income. The largest cost items are heating (0.46 euros/square meter) and electricity (0.16 euros/kW).

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Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, utility bills cost 270.7 euros (~11,802 UAH) per month, which is about 18.6% of the average salary of 1,455 euros (~64,688 UAH). The cost of services varies depending on the supplier, but electricity (€0.13/kW) and water (€3.46/cubic meter) remain among the most expensive categories.

France

The French pay an average of 181.4 euros (~7,909 UAH) per month for utilities. At the same time, the average salary in the country is 2,327 euros (~103,457 UAH), and utility costs are only about 7.8% of income. The main costs are electricity (0.26 euros/kW) and water (3.83 euros/cubic meter).

Spain

In Spain, the utility bill for a three-room apartment costs 132.7 euros (~5,785 UAH). The average salary is 1,740 euros (~77,359 UAH), and the cost of services is about 7.6% of income. High levels of energy efficiency help reduce costs, especially heating, which costs about 200 euros per month in winter.

Ukraine and Europe: cost-to-income ratio

In Ukraine, the average salary at the end of 2024 was UAH 20,964, and utility bills “eat up” about 16% of income. In most European countries, this figure is much lower due to higher incomes and efficient consumption of resources.

Thus, despite the lower absolute cost of utilities in Ukraine, their share in the budget remains higher due to much lower incomes. European countries are actively working to introduce energy-efficient technologies, which can reduce costs.

If you have chosen a European country to move to or are already in one of the European countries, remember that the legislative nuances of a particular country can both help you to quickly legalize and become an obstacle to a comfortable life in Europe. You can get professional and affordable legal advice on migration and visa issues directly on the Visit Ukraine portal, at a time convenient for you.

Just a reminder. There are a number of countries in Europe that are considered to be the best for employment of Ukrainians. 

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