Home Sweet Home: The Reality of Housing in Bulgaria Revealed
New data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) sheds light on the housing landscape in Bulgaria, painting a picture of the majority of Bulgarians residing in older homes.
The poverty line in Bulgaria is BGN 214 a month, with 1.6 million people (over 20% of households) living below it, according to a recent study.
The report on consumer prices and living cost has been prepared for the Confederation of Independent Syndicates in Bulgaria, KNSB.
BGN 563 a month per person (BGN 2 654 per household) is required so that a 4-member household can lead a normal life. The amount is needed to meet expenses for food, healthcare, education and vacations according to average country standards.
The poverty line is based on the consumer basket of 77 basic goods and services.
The average salary in Bulgaria is BGN 610 a month, meaning one employed person supports two unemployed ones.
52% of households (3.7 million people) have a monthly income of BGN 310 (this is the minimum monthly wage in the country) a month per member.
2.5 million people have a monthly income of BGN 311 – BGN 560 a month per member.
Only 965 000 people have a monthly income of over BGN 560 a month per member.
According to KNSB data, nearly 25% of workers are low-paid. 10% of all employed in Bulgaria (nearly 200 000 people) receive the minimum monthly wage.
Bulgaria remains last in the EU by the minimum monthly wage and by the average wage, while prices are very close to European averages.
All data is pointing to looming recession, according to trade union experts.
Compared to the first quarter of 2013, in the second quarter of 2013, living cost is down by 0.5%. It is up 3.0% on annual basis. The slowdown is attributed to the lower prices of heating, natural gas, and electricity, and the seasonal decrease of prices of some types of food products.
In the last 4 years, living cost went up by 17.3% with food prices up over 20% and other goods and services – by 14.5%.
In the second quarter of 2013, food prices were down 0.9%, and up by 5% on annual basis.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
A new mobile application has been launched in Bulgaria, offering crucial assistance and support to victims in need
A bus with Bulgarian registration veered off its path, resulting in 11 injuries, two of which are reported to be severe
Over the next 24 hours, expect cloudy skies with rainfall across the eastern half of the country, where precipitation may be intense in some areas. Meanwhile, the western half will see clouds clearing during the day, becoming mostly sunny
In response to the recent deaths of two newborns due to whooping cough, the Ministry of Health in Bulgaria has implemented measures to curb the spread of the disease
Amidst growing discontent among taxi operators across Bulgaria, drivers in major cities like Burgas, Varna, and now Plovdiv are demanding a substantial hike in fares to cope with rising operational costs
Two infants from Kyustendil have tragically lost their lives after contracting whooping cough
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022