Data presented by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) regarding the cost of living for the first quarter of 2026 indicates a required monthly income of EUR 1,473 for a three-person household (two adults and one child up to 14 years old). For a single employed person living alone, the necessary income is set at EUR 818. CITUB reported that the cost of living income experienced a 2.3% increase on a quarterly basis and a 5.2% increase year-on-year.
CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov noted projected increases, stating that a three-person household will require EUR 73 more, and a single employed person will need EUR 40 more over the next year. However, the union also highlighted employment concerns, reporting that 58.3% of employees earn an income below the calculated cost of living wage. Despite this, CITUB observed a positive trend, noting that the total number of individuals in this low-income bracket is decreasing year-on-year due to overall income growth.
In broader economic context, the union stated that by the end of 2025, Bulgaria reached an income level equivalent to 68% of the EU average. Furthermore, data showed that 12.2% of all full-time employees are insured at the minimum wage level. Regarding necessities, food prices continue to rise
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That figure seems quite low for covering all living expenses in today’s economy.