Cypriots often view developments around them with a degree of skepticism, yet official statistics paint a more optimistic picture. According to a Eurostat survey, the level of life satisfaction in Cyprus stands at 7.4 points on a scale from 0 to 10, higher than the EU average of 7.2. In the overall European ranking, Cyprus placed 12th, firmly positioning itself in the upper tier.
For comparison, Turkey recorded the lowest level of life satisfaction in Europe, with 5.6 points. Notably, Greece also posted one of the lowest results, at 6.7 points, making it second from last in the EU and third from last in Europe overall. All EU member states, however, remain above the 6-point mark, indicating that positive assessments outweigh negative ones across the bloc.
The Overall Picture in the EU in 2024
Overall, EU residents rated their lives quite positively in 2024, with an average score of 7.2 points. Finland topped the ranking with 7.8 points, followed by Romania and Slovenia, both at 7.7 points. At the lower end of the scale were Bulgaria with 6.2 points and Latvia with 6.9 points.
Experts note that despite rising living costs, geopolitical instability, and pressure on labor markets, subjective well-being in the EU remains relatively resilient—especially in countries with well-developed social support systems.
Cyprus’s Youth Are the Most Satisfied
Age plays a significant role both in Cyprus and across the EU. At the European level, people aged 16–29 report higher life satisfaction than other age groups, while in several countries the least satisfied group consists of middle-aged adults (25–64).
In Cyprus, this trend is particularly pronounced. Young people aged 16–29 rated their life satisfaction at 7.8 points. The middle-aged group scored 6.9 points, while the lowest rating was recorded among those aged 65 and over, at 6.6 points. Analysts attribute this to a combination of factors, including financial pressures, healthcare concerns, and changes in the pension system.
Education and Life Satisfaction
Educational attainment has a direct impact on subjective well-being. Across the EU, people with below-secondary education report life satisfaction ranging from 5.6 points in Bulgaria to 7.7 points in Finland. Those with secondary education show scores from 6.2 points in Bulgaria to 7.8 points in Romania. Among people with tertiary education, the range is even wider—from 6.8 points in Bulgaria to 8.4 points in Romania.
In Cyprus, the differences are also evident. Residents with secondary education rate their life satisfaction at 7.3 points, while those with higher education score 7.8 points. The gap between these groups is less pronounced than in some EU countries, suggesting a more balanced perception of quality of life.
Income, Family, and Place of Residence
The study confirms that higher income levels are associated with greater life satisfaction. Particularly high scores are reported by households with children. Across the EU in 2024, such families rated their lives at 7.4 points, compared with 7.3 points for couples without children, 7.2 points for households of three or more adults without children, and 6.8 points for single-person households.
Interestingly, in Europe, families with children tend to feel more satisfied with life, whereas studies in other regions of the world often show the opposite trend.
As for place of residence, on average across the EU there is no significant difference in life satisfaction between urban and rural areas. However, at the national level, differences persist—some countries report higher satisfaction in cities, others in rural areas. In this respect, Cyprus follows the broader European pattern without a pronounced imbalance.
Why This Matters Now
Against the backdrop of ongoing debates about economic challenges, inflation, and housing affordability, Eurostat data indicate that subjective quality of life in Cyprus remains relatively high. This positions the island as one of the more stable regions in the EU in terms of social well-being and enhances its attractiveness both as a place to live and for long-term relocation.