The cost of rent, housing, and living expenses is the main reason Cypriots are slow to leave their parents’ home
Adulthood may begin at 18, but for many young people in Cyprus, independence is a long time coming. And that’s because it’s expensive. According to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service, on average, young people in Cyprus remain in their parents’ home until the age of 27, sparking a major debate about their independence and the difficulty they face in moving forward with their lives.
Reasons for the delay
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This delay is largely attributed to the high cost of rent, housing, and living expenses, which makes it difficult for young people to become financially independent. At the same time, low starting salaries and job instability delay the securing of a permanent and stable job, while the length of studies prolongs financial dependence on the family.
Unemployment has fallen, inflation has risen
However, although unemployment has fallen and more than half of young people in Cyprus are employed, entering the labor market does not always mean financial independence. Compared to previous years, unemployment has dropped significantly: in 2025, the unemployment rate stood at 9.3%, whereas 10 years earlier it was 24.5%.
What’s the situation in the rest of Europe?
The picture, however, is completely different in other European countries. Specifically, young people in Finland and Denmark leave their parents’ homes at age 21, while in Sweden they do so just before turning 22.
In contrast, young people in southern and eastern European countries leave their parents’ homes at an even older age than Cypriots. Croatia tops the list with an average age of 31. Slovakia, Greece, Italy, and Spain follow with an average age of 30.
And yet, despite the challenges they face, young people in Cyprus report being largely satisfied with their lives. On a scale of 1 to 10, the younger generation gives a score of 7.7, a figure that shows that, despite the challenges, optimism remains.
