Family of Four Need 2,301 BGN per Month for Decent Standard of Living

BGN 2,301 is needed a month for a decent standard of living of a four-member family in Bulgaria. The cost of living has gone up because of the higher prices of basic food products, natural gas and heat.

In order to live relatively well by meeting their basic needs, the two parents in a four-member family should receive wages of not less than BGN 1,400 per month. However, the reality is different - the average wage is significantly lower than the necessary expenses.

More than 2 million people live with less than BGN 314 per month and thus are below the poverty line. And if in the region of Vidin (North Bulgaria) the salary is BGN 600, then in the capital Sofia it is twice as high. The costs in the capital are also higher. Therefore, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB) have calculated that in Sofia everyone should earn at least BGN 1,900 per month.