The graph illustrates the weekly expenditure patterns of an average European family over two decades.
In 1987, housing accounted for 15% of the family’s weekly budget, followed by transport at 11%. Expenditure on fuel and power and other goods and services constituted 18% and 16% respectively, while food accounted for a fifth of the budget. Spending on tobacco was the lowest at 7%.
By 2007, spending on housing had sharply risen to 33%, making it the largest expense. Transport also saw a significant increase to 31%, becoming the second highest expenditure. Interestingly, both tobacco and food experienced a 5% decrease in expenditure. Fuel and power decreased by 3%, while spending on other goods and services remained unchanged.