“Save more money!” It’s advice we hear in the U.S. on near repeat from all types of financial experts. And it’s salient advice that will likely be evergreen for, well, ever. But unless you’re able to live substantially below your means (in 2025, the majority of Americans are cornered into living paycheck to paycheck), it’s difficult if not impossible advice to follow.
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People in other countries have an easier time saving money. As of December 2024, the personal savings rate in the U.S. lags behind 26 other countries, according to Trading Economics. Let’s look at the five countries with the highest personal savings rates and key factors into why they may be so far ahead of the U.S. In some of these countries, cost of living is less than the average salary, but in others, it’s a mystery as to how people are able to save so much.
5. Slovenia
- Average income saved in most recent year: 22.49%
- Average salary: $31,463
- Average monthly cost of living for a single person: $1,299
- Average monthly cost of living for a family of 4: $3,091
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4. Morocco
- Average income saved in most recent year: 24.3%
- Average salary: $19,884
- Average monthly cost of living for a single person: $3,103
- Average monthly cost of living for a family of 4: $6,709
3. Sweden
- Average income saved in most recent year: 25.36%
- Average salary: $46,329
- Average monthly cost of living for a single person: $2,317
- Average monthly cost of living for a family of 4: $4,647
2. Sri Lanka
- Average income saved in most recent year: 30.8%
- Average salary: $3,540
- Average monthly cost of living for a single person: $560
- Average monthly cost of living for a family of 4: $1,425
1. South Korea
- Average income saved in most recent year: 35.2%
- Average salary: $35,490
- Average monthly cost of living for a single person: $1,630
- Average monthly cost of living for a family of 4: $5,284
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Sources
- Trading Economics, “Personal Savings Countries List“
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Countries Where People Are Saving the Most — Where Does the US Fall?
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