Splitt
Track your expenses
Splitt
Track your expenses
Most couples have no idea whether their spending is normal. They know roughly what they pay for rent, maybe groceries — but the total picture? Fuzzy at best. The data paints a clearer picture.
In Western Europe, the average couple spending on shared expenses (housing, food, transport, entertainment, utilities) lands between €2,200 and €2,800 per month. In the UK, comparable figures sit at £2,000–£2,600. In major US cities, the range rises to $3,500–$4,500.
Here's how a typical couple's monthly shared expenses break down across major categories, based on Eurostat household expenditure data adjusted for 2026 inflation:
| Category | EU Average | UK Average | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent / Mortgage | €1,150 | £1,250 | ~46% |
| Groceries | €400 | £380 | ~16% |
| Restaurants & Takeaway | €250 | £280 | ~10% |
| Transport | €200 | £220 | ~8% |
| Utilities (gas, water, electric) | €180 | £200 | ~7% |
| Entertainment & Leisure | €180 | £160 | ~7% |
| Subscriptions (streaming, gym) | €80 | £75 | ~3% |
| Other (hygiene, household) | €60 | £55 | ~3% |
| TOTAL | €2,500 | £2,620 | 100% |
These figures represent shared expenses only — they don't include personal spending (clothes, personal subscriptions, individual hobbies). Per-person personal spending typically adds another €300–€600/month on top.
Rent or mortgage typically consumes 40–50% of a couple's shared budget. Across major EU cities, average rents for a 1-bedroom apartment in 2026 sit at:
The rule of thumb: housing should not exceed 30% of your combined take-home pay. If it does, one of you is likely feeling financially squeezed — even if neither says it out loud.
Groceries + eating out is where couple spending varies most. The same couple can spend €400/month or €900/month on food depending on their habits. Key factors:
EU average: €350–€450/month for two. Premium supermarkets can push this to €600+.
EU average: €200–€300/month. London: £280–£400. A single mid-range dinner for two runs €60–€90.
The invisible budget killer. Two daily coffees out = €80–€100/month added to your food total.
Couples using Deliveroo / Uber Eats regularly spend €80–€150/month extra vs cooking at home.
If you own a car, transport is likely your second or third biggest expense after housing and food. Full car costs (payment/lease + insurance + petrol + parking) typically run €400–€700/month for one car. Most couples dramatically underestimate this because costs are spread across multiple payment dates.
If you rely on public transport in a major city, you're looking at €80–€160/month per person (€160–€320 combined), significantly cheaper than car ownership.
Concerts, theatre, cinema, weekend trips, sports events, bars — most couples budget too little here and then feel guilty when they overspend. The EU average sits at €180/month for couples combined, but couples in larger cities typically spend €250–€350/month in this category.
Log 30 days of shared expenses in Splitt and see your real numbers by category. Most couples are surprised — usually by food, sometimes by subscriptions. Free, no install needed.
Start tracking free →| Category | EU (€) | UK (£) | US ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | €1,150 | £1,250 | $1,800 |
| Food (groceries + eating out) | €650 | £660 | $900 |
| Transport | €200 | £220 | $500 |
| Utilities | €180 | £200 | $250 |
| Entertainment | €180 | £160 | $350 |
| Other | €140 | £130 | $200 |
| TOTAL | €2,500 | £2,620 | $4,000 |
The biggest differences: US couples spend significantly more on transport (car-dependent culture) and food. UK couples face higher housing costs relative to income in most cities. EU couples benefit from lower healthcare costs and more subsidized public transport.
The most common things that push couples above the average:
Things that keep couples below average: remote work (eliminating commuting costs), cooking at home consistently, living outside city centres, and — unsurprisingly — actively tracking their spending.
The most revealing thing you can do is track every shared expense for 30 days. Not to be restrictive — just to see the reality. Most couples discover one category they're dramatically underestimating (usually food or subscriptions) and one area where they're being genuinely frugal without realising it.
With real data, you can make real decisions. Without it, you're budgeting on vibes — which is fine until a financial stressor arrives.
Splitt is built for couples who want to track shared expenses without spreadsheets. Log as you spend, see your totals by category, and always know who owes what. Completely free.
Track your couple budget →