Lithuania: Middle-class income threshold rises to 2,000 euros

Lithuanians increasingly associate middle-class status with higher incomes than in previous years, according to a recent study by "Swedbank." The survey revealed that a significant majority of respondents believe a monthly income of 1,500 to 2,000 euros after taxes is sufficient to be considered middle class.

This perception marks a notable shift from 2018, when the same study identified a range of 1,000 to 1,900 euros as indicative of middle-class standing. The upward revision suggests a changing economic landscape or evolving aspirations among the population.

Furthermore, the "Swedbank" research indicates a consensus that earning over 3,000 euros per month places an individual beyond the typical middle-class definition. This suggests a perceived upper limit to what is considered standard middle-class income in Lithuania.

For context, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines the middle class as those earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In Lithuania, this translates to an after-tax income range of approximately 1,060 to 2,520 euros. The study's findings align with, yet also extend beyond, this international benchmark, highlighting a local perception of a higher income threshold for middle-class status.