According to OECD and Eurostat data, young adults in southern and eastern European countries tend to live with their parents for longer periods of time compared to those in other parts of Europe. The average age at which EU adults leave their parents’ home is 26, but this age varies significantly depending on the country. In countries like Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, young adults typically move out by the age of 21, while in Croatia, Slovakia, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, and Italy, it is common for individuals to still be living with their parents until they are at least 30 years old.
When examining the overall number of young adults still living with their parents, the shares are particularly high in southern European countries. Italy has the highest proportion of people aged 20 to 29 who do not live independently, at 80%. This is followed by Greece at 78%, Spain at 77%, and Portugal at 76%. In comparison, only 43% of young adults in the UK and 39% in the US are still living with their parents. Nordic countries, such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, have the lowest rates of young adults living at home, all below 20%.
Italy also has a high rate of NEETs (young people who are neither employed, nor in education or training) in the EU, according to Eurostat data. This indicates that a significant portion of young people in Italy are not actively participating in the labor market or pursuing further education or training. The high rate of young adults living with their parents and the high rate of NEETs in Italy may be interconnected, as living at home may provide a safety net that allows individuals to delay entering the workforce or pursuing educational opportunities.
The cultural and economic factors may contribute to why young adults in southern and eastern European countries tend to live with their parents for longer periods of time. In some countries, it is common for multiple generations to live together under the same roof, and strong family ties may also play a role in the decision for young adults to remain at home. Economic factors, such as high costs of housing and limited job opportunities, may also make it more challenging for young adults to afford to live independently.
The differences in the age at which young adults leave their parents’ home across European countries highlight the diversity of cultural norms and economic conditions that influence this decision. While some countries have a tradition of young adults remaining at home until they are older, others have a societal expectation for individuals to become independent at a younger age. Understanding these differences can provide insight into the varying experiences of young adults across Europe and the factors that shape their living arrangements.
Overall, the data on young adults living with their parents in Europe reveals a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and social factors that influence this trend. While some countries have high rates of young adults living at home, others have lower rates and different norms regarding the age at which individuals move out. The high rate of NEETs in countries like Italy underscores the importance of examining not only where young adults are living, but also their levels of economic engagement and educational attainment.
