According to data presented by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) on Monday, the required cost of living income for different household structures was detailed for the first quarter of 2026. For a three-person household, consisting of two adults and one child under 14, the necessary income is set at EUR 1,473. A single employed person requires EUR 818 to meet basic living expenses.
CITUB reported that the cost of living income saw a quarterly increase of 2.3% and a year-on-year rise of 5.2%. Furthermore, the union noted that the required income for a three-person household increased by EUR 73 over the past year, while the requirement for a single employed person rose by EUR 40. The report also indicated that nearly 58.3% of employees are currently insured at an income level below the calculated cost of living wage.
While this represents a concern, CITUB observed a positive trend, noting that the total number of individuals in this category has decreased year-on-year, attributed to overall wage increases over the last 12 months. By the end of 2025, Bulgaria’s average income level reached 68% of the EU average. Specific cost breakdowns revealed that food prices continue to rise annually by 6.2%.
For food and catering expenses for one employed person, the union estimates a monthly requirement of EUR 329, with notable quarterly increases observed in the costs of vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, and eggs. Data also showed that 12.2% of all full-time employees are insured at the minimum wage level.
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That figure suggests a significant cost of living increase for families.