Data released by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) on Monday provided figures regarding the required cost of living for 2026. For the first quarter of 2026, the necessary monthly income for a three-person household (two adults and one child under 14) was established at EUR 1,473. A single employed person requires an income of EUR 818.
CITUB noted that the cost of living income saw a quarterly increase of 2.3% and a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. The union also reported that while the required income increased by EUR 73 over the past year for a three-person unit, and EUR 40 for a single person, nearly 58.3% of employees earn an income below the cost of living wage. CITUB cited a positive trend, noting that the number of underpaid workers is decreasing year-on-year due to overall income growth.
Regarding essential expenses, food prices continue to rise annually by 6.2%. For one person, the estimated monthly expense for food and catering remains at EUR 329. Specific increases were recorded for vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, eggs, and coffee.
In employment metrics, 12.2% of all full-time employees are insured at the minimum wage level. On a broader economic note, the union indicated that by the end of 2025, Bulgaria’s national income level reached 68% of the EU average.
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These figures will be important for understanding the economic pressures facing Bulgarian families in 2026.