Survey: 35% of Latvians Say Their Personal Finances Worsened in the Past Three Months
An October survey by Citadele bank and research agency Norstat shows 35% of Latvian residents saw their finances deteriorate, up from 25% in July. Latvia recorded the sharpest decline in the Baltic region.
In Latvia, 35% of residents say their personal financial situation has worsened over the past three months, compared with 25% who said so in July. The figures come from a survey conducted in October 2026 by Citadele bank and research agency Norstat, as reported by the news agency LETA. The results show that financial sentiment is turning more negative across the Baltic states, with Latvia seeing the steepest drop.
Men and young people feel less secure
Concern about personal finances has grown fastest among men and young people up to age 29. In October, the figure for both groups stood at 39%. At the same time, the share of people who felt their situation had improved fell by six percentage points to 10%. A total of 55% of respondents reported no change, a share that has dropped by five percentage points since July.
Lower confidence about the future
Confidence in being able to manage their money over the next three months also fell sharply in Latvia, from 66% in July to 56% in October. This is the biggest decline in the Baltics. Middle-aged people and seniors are the most worried about controlling their budgets and covering expenses during the coming winter.
Comparison with neighbours
In Lithuania, 26% of respondents say their finances have worsened, and in Estonia the figure is 40%. In both countries sentiment has deteriorated by seven percentage points since July. Confidence in managing finances is also declining in Estonia, whereas in Lithuania it has increased to the highest level in the region: almost seven in ten residents feel secure about their finances in the coming quarter.
The bank's commentary notes that autumn brings the cost of living and utility bills into focus, amplified by an uncertain geopolitical backdrop and fuel price fluctuations. The data from Latvia and Estonia point to pronounced consumer caution, which may slow economic activity.
The survey was carried out online and covered more than 1,000 residents aged 18 to 74 in each Baltic country.
