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Germany’s pension gap widens: Women in Baden-Württemberg lead while eastern states lag

Why do retirees in eastern Germany earn far less? The numbers reveal deep economic divides—and why women in the southwest are breaking the mold.

There is an old woman on the right side. Beside her there is an old man. In the background there...
There is an old woman on the right side. Beside her there is an old man. In the background there are so many people. The old woman is wearing the spects. The old man is wearing the jacket.

People in Saarland and North Rhine-Westphalia receive the highest pensions - Germany’s pension gap widens: Women in Baden-Württemberg lead while eastern states lag

Pension payments across Germany fluctuate significantly based on region and gender. New data shows that women in Baden-Württemberg receive the highest median pensions, while retirees in eastern states often get the lowest. The differences underscore economic disparities and wage gaps across the country.

In 2022, women in Baden-Württemberg headed the national pension rankings with an average gross monthly payment of €1,459 after 35 years of insurance. The region's robust economy and higher wages contribute to this figure. Meanwhile, men in Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia also receive the highest average pensions.

The data reveals substantial regional and gender-based differences in pension payments. Baden-Württemberg tops the list for both men and women, while eastern states consistently rank lower. The gap between male and female pensions also remains a prominent feature of Germany's retirement landscape.

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