Newsroom
A large majority of households in Cyprus are dealing with financial strain, according to a 2026 consumer behavior survey conducted by the Pancyprian Consumers and Quality of Life Association (PEKPoizo) in collaboration with Cypronetwork Ltd. The findings show that 66% of households are struggling to make ends meet to some extent.
Only about one-third of respondents, or 34%, say they are living comfortably within their income. Among those facing difficulties, 26% describe their situation as manageable, while another 25% say they are barely keeping up with their financial obligations. An additional 13% report serious financial pressure, and 2% say they are struggling to meet basic survival needs.
For most households, income has not changed significantly. About two out of three respondents say their earnings have remained stable. Slightly more people report increases than decreases, which points to limited improvement overall.
Rising prices continue to be a major concern. Nearly nine out of ten participants say the cost of goods and services has gone up, especially for food, essential items, and electricity. These increases are putting extra pressure on household budgets. As a result, one in four people say they have reduced travel due to higher fuel costs, while about two-thirds report increased spending on basic bills such as electricity, water, and telecommunications.
Debt is also a key issue. Just over 40% of households report having bank loans, and 70% of those borrowers say the burden is heavy. Around 30% of respondents consider their household over-indebted, and 40% of borrowers believe they may not be able to keep up with loan payments in the future.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing society, respondents ranked rising prices at the top with 63%. Corruption followed at 56%, and energy costs at 48%. Concerns about crime and violence were also mentioned by 29% of participants.
Spending habits reflect the pressure households are under. One in four respondents say they have cut back on purchases, while one in five say they are spending more. This trend has continued in recent years as the cost of living rises.
Outlook on the economy remains cautious. One-third of respondents expect conditions to worsen in the coming months, while only 16% feel optimistic. Even so, sentiment appears somewhat improved compared to previous years, especially 2025.
Public confidence in institutions remains low. Respondents gave strongly negative ratings, between 63% and 75%, on issues such as transparency, fairness, and how effectively public services respond to citizens. These results point to widespread dissatisfaction with how the state functions.
Financial pressure is also limiting long-term planning. Indicators related to saving, investing, and buying a home show declining confidence, suggesting many households are putting off major financial decisions.
The survey also describes a lack of consumer awareness. Seven out of ten respondents say they do not know their rights.
The research is based on telephone interviews with a representative sample of 1,000 people, conducted between February 16 and March 9, 2026.
