Sofia. The average total income per household member in the second quarter of 2018 was BGN 1,474, or a 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2017, according to Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest relative share was income from wages and salaries (56.7%), followed by income from pensions (28.1%), and from self-employment (6.6%).
In nominal terms, the average income per household member by income source had changed as follows:
- Income from wages and salaries had increased from BGN 769 to BGN 835 (by 8.6%).
- Income from pensions had increased from BGN 356 to BGN 413 (by 16.1%).
- Income from self-employment had increased from BGN 93 to BGN 97 (by 4.8%).
- Income from social benefits had decreased from BGN 46 to BGN 35 (by 24.4%).
Household Expenditure
The total expenditure per household member in the second quarter of 2018 was BGN 1,331, or an 11.4% increase compared to the same quarter of 2017.
The greatest share had food expenditure (31.5%), followed by housing costs (15.9%), taxes and social security contributions (13.7%) and transport and communications costs (12.1%).
As absolute values, the average expenditure per household member had changed as follows:
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages – from BGN 388 to BGN 419 (by 8.0%);
- Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes – from BGN 53 to BGN 59 (by 11.0%).
- Housing (water, electricity, heating, furnishings and maintenance) – from BGN 196 to BGN 213 (8.6%).
- Healthcare – from BGN 69 to BGN 77 (by 10.4%).
- Transport and communications – from BGN 135 to BGN 161 (18.7%).
- Entertainment, recreation and education – from BGN 40 to BGN 53 (by 31.3%).
- Taxes and social security contributions – from BGN 162 to BGN 182 (by 12.2%).
Household Consumption
The following changes in the consumption of main food products per household member compared to the same quarter of 2017 are observed:
An increase in consumption of: vegetables - from 18.2 to 19.0 kg, yoghurt - from 7.3 to 7.9 kg, and meat - from 8.2 to 8.6 kg. 
A decrease in consumption of: bread and pasta - from 21.6 to 21.3 kg, milk - from 4.6 to 4.4 l. 
The consumption of eggs, sunflower oil, dry beans and sugar remains unchanged.

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