The table compares the percentage of family spending on different items in Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Finland, and Turkey in 2004 alone. Overall, Turkey was the clear favorite in terms of food, drinks, tobacco, and leisure and education, except for clothing, footwear and home accessories. Notably, the proportion of Portugal and Turkey accounted for the identical figures for clothing, shoes, and home accessories. A similar pattern can be seen in the shares of Italy and Finland, which showed similarity according to leisure and education.
Looking first at the nourishments, beverages, and cigarettes, it is apparent that Turkey was the main consumer at 32.10%, closely followed by Ireland at 28.90%. Meanwhile, remaining countries made up no more than 18.00%, except for Portugal (18.00%), with Italy reaching 16.40% and Finland accounted for 15.80%.
With regard to the shares of garments, shoes, and home accessories, Italy dominated the chart, constituting 9.00%. Finland, on the other hand, was the least-spending country at 5.40%. While Ireland reached only 6.40%, both Turkey and Portugal comprised similar shares – 6.60%, a figure representing the same spending portions.
Focusing on the last category, which is recreational and education, Turkey was the clear frontrunner on this category, which was responsible for 4.40 percent. Expenditure on enjoyment and education from Italy and Finland registered the similar shares, making up 3.20 percent, whereas that of 2.50 percent and 2.20 percent in Portugal and Ireland, respectively – highlighting the similar patterns.