Moving Out Ages Compared: Germany Vs. EU Countries
Individuals of German nationality tend to depart their residences at a relatively early hour.
Young adults in Germany, on average, bid adieu to their parents' nest earlier compared to many European Union (EU) counterparts. As of 2024, the average age for a German to vacate their childhood home is 23.9 years – lower than the EU-wide average of 26.2 years[1]. This early departure shares similarity with countries like Finland, where young people typically leave home at around 21.4 years on average[1].
There's a notable gender division regarding the age of moving out in Germany. Men, on average, depart at 24.6 years old[1], while women make their exit at approximately 23.1 years[1]. This disparity is also observed in the percentage of 25-year-olds still bunking with their parents, with 33.8% of men and 22.4% of women still living at home[1].
In the EU landscape, other countries with early moving-out ages – like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and France – mirror Germany's trend. Conversely, Croatia boasts the highest average age for leaving home, at 31.3 years[1]. These contrasting patterns highlight the diverse cultural and economic elements shaping young people's decisions to branch out across various regions.
- Germany: Average age of moving out is 23.9 years (Men - 24.6, Women - 23.1)
- EU Average: 26.2 years
- Finland: 21.4 years, among the earliest
- Croatia: 31.3 years, among the latest
Germany's younger average moving-out age implies unique cultural and economic factors compared to other EU nations.
Enrichment Data:
Additional Insights:
- Internet Research: The general trend indicates that countries with stronger economic growth and employment opportunities tend to have earlier moving-out ages[2].
- Cultural Factors: Family structures, social norms, and housing costs can influence the age at which young people decide to leave the parental home[3].
[1] Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)[2] European Statistical Office (Eurostat)[3] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA)
- The early departure of young adults from their parents' homes in Germany, as compared to EU counterparts like Finland, could be influenced by the stronger economic growth and employment opportunities in these countries, as suggested by internet research.
- The community policy concerning vocational training in Germany, which supports young adults in securing employment after their education, may align with the country's home-and-garden lifestyle, allowing them to establish their independence sooner, as indicated by the enrichment data on cultural factors.
