Income is crucial to meeting life's needs. Changes in its size and structure are fundamental determinants of living standards in the countryside. The article presents an analysis of the economic situation of inhabitants of rural areas during the period of Poland's integration with the European Union (years 2002-2022 or 2004-2022). The main indicators are the level, structure and relations of income. Households of basic socio-economic groups and by place of residence (rural and urban) were compared. The study showed convergence of the standard of living of rural and urban inhabitants and of farmers and other groups of households. Convergence was primarily the result of a higher dynamics of income growth of rural in-habitants than of urban inhabitants and farmers compared to other groups of households. This was mainly the result of significant financial support directed to rural areas and farmers, among others, within the framework of the common agricultural policy. The 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union is an opportunity to sum up and assess how Poland's membership in the EU has affected the standard and quality of life of the Polish population, especially the inhabitants of rural areas.

Expenditures are one of the fundamental indicators of living standards and quality of life. According to Maslow, human needs can be divided into basic and higher-order needs. The structure of expenditures and its changes allow for the identification of economic and social differences between social groups. The study covered the period 2004–2023. The main indicators are the level, structure and relations of expenditures. Households of basic socio-economic groups and by place of residence (rural and urban) were compared. The study showed convergence of the standard of living of rural and urban inhabitants and of farmers and other groups of households. Convergence was primarily the result of a higher dynamics of growth of expenditure of rural in-habitants than of urban inhabitants and of farmers compared to other groups of households. However, significant differences in the expenditure structure remained, with agricultural households characterized by a higher share of basic expenditures, such as food.