This diploma thesis deals with the living conditions of the first income quintile households in the Czech Republic and four countries of the European Union (Austria, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom), which were selected on the basis of cultural affinity zones. The main data source was Eurostat database, specifically European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) and Household Budget Survey (HBS). Data on standard of living, income, poverty and social exclusion, housing, consumption expenditure, savings and subjective well-being are analysed and compared. Based on the results of indicators that determine living conditions of low-income households, recommendations are established.