The global marketing data provider GfK has revealed the results of the annual study GfK Purchasing Power Europe 2014/2015 that has shown a 2% average growth of the nominal disposable income of the residents of 42 countries in euro. Despite the nominal growth trend, the indices of purchasing power vary by country considerably: the most notable differences can be noticed between northern and western European countries, as well as between southern, central and eastern countries.

According to the study, the total purchasing power in 42 European countries (nominally, irrespective of the inflation rates) in 2014 was €8.83 trillion. An average per-capita purchasing power in Europe is equal to €13,112 or 100.00 index points. However, for some countries this index is 4 times higher (Liechtenstein) or 10 times lower (Bulgaria). Traditionally, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway have the highest purchasing power indices in Europe in 2014; while the UK is not even on the top 10 list.

The British per-capita national average is €19,136, which is 36% higher than European average. This makes the UK the 11th in the European purchasing power ranking of 42 countries.

The study also highlights and compares average national per-capita indices of France, Latvia and Lithuania. The full research can be downloaded for free here.