Germans' per capita purchasing power is expected to increase by 5% in 2026, reaching an average of €31,193, according to the latest NIQ Purchasing Power Study. Overall, the country's total purchasing power is forecast at €2.607 trillion, available for consumer spending, housing, leisure, and savings.
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Regional variations remain pronounced. Bavaria leads with €33,666 per capita, almost 8% above the national average, followed by Hamburg (€33,019) and Baden-Württemberg. Only four of Germany's 16 federal states—Bavaria, Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse—exceed the national average. Eastern states continue to see the largest relative gains, with Berlin and Saxony improving modestly.
Urban centres also show uneven growth. Munich and Düsseldorf report the highest per capita purchasing power, at 31% and 15% above average, respectively, while Berlin remains slightly below average despite climbing 22 places in the ranking.
NIQ notes that the real impact of this growth will depend on inflation and consumer price trends in 2026. The study incorporates nominal net disposable income, including government transfers such as pensions, unemployment benefits, and child allowances.
Source: www.moebelmarkt.de
