Young people in the European Union left their parents’ homes at an average age of 26.2 years in 2024, according to Eurostat. While that’s slightly lower than 2023, the data reveals striking contrasts. In northern countries, strong welfare systems and accessible student housing make early independence possible, with many leaving home in their early twenties. But in southern and eastern Europe, cultural expectations, overcrowding, and rising housing costs keep young adults at home well into their thirties.
Click on to see how countries compare, from oldest to youngest nest leavers.