WILLEMSTAD – A majority of households in Curaçao continue to experience financial hardship despite the island's economic recovery, according to the latest Social Survey 2025 released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
The survey paints a picture of families that are managing daily expenses but often lack the financial means for larger purchases or unexpected costs, raising questions about whether economic growth is translating into improved living standards for ordinary residents.
According to the report, 64.1% of households said they do not have sufficient income to purchase new furniture, while an identical 64.1% reported they lack the financial resources to meet loan repayments or debt obligations. Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) also said they cannot afford a vacation abroad.
The findings suggest that although many households can cover basic necessities, they have little room for financial flexibility.
Just over half of respondents reported having enough income to purchase clothing (56.8%), while 52.2% said they could afford to eat out occasionally. The same percentage said they could afford healthy food, indicating that many families remain under pressure even when it comes to routine household expenses.
The CBS notes that these figures provide insight into social cohesion by measuring whether households have sufficient income to participate fully in everyday life.
The results show that financial limitations are greatest when it comes to major purchases and long-term obligations, but they also affect many aspects of daily living.
The survey offers policymakers a clearer picture of household purchasing power at a time when Curaçao continues to report economic growth driven largely by tourism and related sectors.
While macroeconomic indicators have improved in recent years, the findings suggest that many families have yet to experience those gains in their personal finances.