erschwinglichkeit

Erschwinglichkeit refers to the degree to which goods, services, or housing are affordable to a given population, particularly those with lower incomes. It is a multifaceted concept influenced by several economic factors, including income levels, prices of goods and services, and the availability of financing. High erschwinglichkeit means that a broad segment of the population can comfortably afford essential items and services without facing undue financial strain. Conversely, low erschwinglichkeit indicates that many individuals and families struggle to meet their basic needs due to high costs relative to their earnings.

Several indicators are used to measure erschwinglichkeit. For housing, this often involves calculating the housing cost burden, which is the percentage of a household's income spent on rent or mortgage payments. A common benchmark for affordability is spending no more than 30% of income on housing. In broader economic terms, erschwinglichkeit also considers the cost of living, including food, transportation, healthcare, and education, in relation to average wages. Policies aimed at improving erschwinglichkeit often focus on increasing wages, controlling prices, providing subsidies, or expanding access to affordable housing and essential services. The concept is crucial for assessing economic well-being and social equity within a society.