Research Data — 2026
€46/month

Software & SaaS Subscription Spending in Europe 2026

How much do European consumers and small businesses spend on software and SaaS subscriptions in 2026?

€46/month
Average individual software spend
€185/month
Average freelancer software spend
€1,200/month
Average SMB (5-20 employees) software spend
Microsoft 365
Most common individual software subscription
+22%
Software inflation 2020-2026 (avg)

The Shift to Subscription Software

Software subscription spending per individual has grown from €29/month in 2020 to €46/month in 2026 — a 59% increase in total spend (a combination of price rises and more subscriptions). The shift from one-time purchase software (MS Office perpetual licence) to subscription models has transferred significant value from consumers to software companies.

Freelancer Software Stack

Freelancers carry the highest software subscription burden: €185/month on average, covering client communication (Slack/Zoom), design or productivity tools (Adobe CC or Figma), project management, accounting software and cloud storage. For a freelancer earning €4,000/month, software subscriptions represent 4.6% of gross income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Europeans spend on software subscriptions per month?

Individual Europeans average €46/month on software subscriptions. Freelancers average €185/month.

Data & Methodology: Figures on this site are derived from our own record of provider list prices, not from consumer research. We do not hold survey or banking-transaction data, and previous claims to the contrary have been withdrawn. Compiled by Leutrim Miftaraj. Full methodology →