Greece’s inequality study shows most households still struggle despite improving indicators

The Institute of Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) released a study covering 2015‑2025 that examines six interconnected dimensions of inequality in Greece: income, labour market, education, health, long‑term care and housing. The report notes that statistical measures of inequality have improved – the Gini coefficient fell from 34.2 % in 2015 to 31.6 % in 2025 and unemployment dropped to single‑digit levels – and that GDP growth has returned.

Nevertheless, 68 % of Greek households say they find it difficult to make ends meet, a rate more than three times the EU average of 19 %. The most vulnerable groups are low‑income families, single‑parent households, large families and young people aged 16‑24. Health disparities persist: Greece has one of the highest private health‑spending shares in the EU, and 32 % of those in the lowest income quartile report unmet health needs versus 10 % in the highest quartile; chronic disease prevalence is 30 % versus 18 %.

Housing costs have risen sharply since 2018, increasing financial pressure on young and low‑income households and widening the gap between owners and renters. Public spending on long‑term care remains extremely low at about 0.1 % of GDP, despite an ageing population. The study concludes that while macro‑economic indicators have improved, the everyday experience of inequality remains strong and calls for policies that enhance not only incomes but also equal access to education, health, care and affordable housing.