Introduction

Managing your economy in Anno 1800 is crucial to success, but the game doesn’t provide an explicit balance sheet like other city builders. This guide will break down how income and expenses work in the game and help you optimize your cash flow.

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How to Read Your Balance Sheet

You can check your income and expenses by hovering over the balance readout in the upper-left corner of the screen. This displays your net gain or loss over a 60-second period.

Key Observations:

• Income comes from residents who pay for their needs (food, clothing, etc.).
• Expenses come from maintenance costs for buildings and workforce needs.
• The number updates constantly, reflecting real-time changes in your economy.

Tip: The expense amount of a building is fixed and independent of production cycles. For example, a fishery producing two tons of fish every 30 seconds still costs 40 coins per minute in upkeep.

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How Income is Calculated

Each house, not each individual resident, contributes income based on the needs they fulfill. This means:

• A house with 20 workers or 13 workers pays the same base tax amount.
• More population = more income, but only if their needs are met.

Example: Worker Houses

• Each worker house generates 500 coins based on consumption needs.
• Full houses mean more income per worker:
  • 1 coin per farmer
  • 2 coins per worker
  • Higher tiers = higher income

This system ensures steady tax revenue, even if a portion of your workforce is unemployed.

Tip: If income is fluctuating, check your market supply chains. Missing essential goods lowers income, even if population remains stable.

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Trade vs. Local Consumption: Which Makes More Money?

While trading can be profitable, your local economy often generates more revenue than trade.

Fish Example:

• 4 tons of fish can feed 800 workers.
• Each worker pays 3 coins for fish.
• 800 workers × 3 coins = 2,400 coins.
• Subtracting 40 coins for expenses, you still earn 2,360 coins in profit.
• Selling 4 tons of fish via trade generates significantly less.

Conclusion: Expanding your population and fulfilling needs yields better returns than selling raw goods.

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Key Takeaways

1. More houses = more income. The more people in your city, the higher your tax revenue.
2. Maintain balanced supply chains. Keeping houses well-stocked ensures steady income.
3. Local economy > trade. While trade is helpful, relying on population-based income is more profitable.
4. Unemployed workers still pay taxes. Even if jobless, citizens contribute to your economy.
5. Monitor balance updates. Since the readout shows a 60-second projection, temporary shortages can cause short-term dips.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with cash flow, build more houses, increase your population, and meet their needs instead of over-relying on trade. This strategy will keep your economy stable and growing.

If you found this guide helpful, consider leaving a comment or thumbs up. Now, go forth and build the city of your dreams in Anno 1800! Happy city-building!