Household Budget Survey (2008)

The Household Budget Survey records all residing household expenditures to purchase goods and services to meet their needs; it is the main data source to describe, analyze and explain household spending behaviours. The survey allows to analyze the evolution of the household expenditure level and composition, according to household socio-demographic characteristics. The survey is conducted through two different technique: a self-filled diary, in which the household records purchases over a seven-day period, and a final face-to-face interview. According to sample design, approximately 28,000 households are interviewed each year. The survey refers to the total cost of the good or service purchased, apart from the moment of consumption or use and the payment instrument (instalments or credit card). In order to compare expenditure levels of households with different socio-economic features and expenditure behaviours, and to provide poverty estimates, imputed expenditures are also considered, such as those for self-consumptions (household self-produced goods from vegetables garden or farms, consumed by the household itself) or the imputed rents for owner-occupied or free of charge houses. The imputed rent is the return household would have if it rented at market prices the house it is living in and it has to be taken into account because the householders have housing service at their disposal.