The share of Spaniards living with serious material shortfalls grew from 7.4 % to 8.1 % over the past ten years. During the same period the European average fell to 6.3 %. Households that include children experience more than twice the level of deprivation found in households headed by people over 65. The data suggest that Spain is slipping behind other European nations in terms of basic living standards. Despite overall economic growth, the country now ranks among the five with the lowest capacity to afford everyday expenses. The trend highlights a widening gap between income growth and household well‑being.