The rise in the prices of food, housing, energy and services in recent years has significantly increased the cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is why the question is being asked more and more often; how much salary is enough for one month of normal life today?
Although the answer depends on the place of residence, number of household members and lifestyle, economic indicators indicate that the average salary in many cases is no longer sufficient to cover all monthly expenses.
According to trade union organizations, the union consumer basket for a family of four in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been exceeding 3,000 KM for a long time, while the average salary in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is about 1,700 KM, and in Republika Srpska about 1,500 KM.
For one person living alone, monthly expenses, depending on the city, can look like this:
rent or loan: 500–800 KM
utilities: 150–250 KM
food: 350–500 KM
transportation: 80–150 KM
phone and internet: 40–80 KM
hygiene, clothes and other expenses: 200–300 KM
In total, for a decent life without major luxuries, you need between 1,500 and 2,000 KM per month.
For families with children, expenses increase due to the costs of kindergarten, school, clothing, health care and other needs.
Economists point out that a household with two employees, each of whom receives an average salary, today more easily covers basic expenses than a family that relies on only one salary.
Citizens allocate the most money for: food, housing, electricity and heating, fuel and transportation, and medicine and health services.
It is precisely these categories that have recorded the highest price growth in recent years.
Economic analysts believe that in order to live without major financial pressures, the net salary in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be at least 2,000 KM, especially in larger cities such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka or Tuzla.
For a family with two children, a total monthly income of 3,500 to 4,000 KM is considered an amount that allows covering basic expenses and certain financial security.
Although salaries in certain sectors are increasing, the rise in living costs is still one of the biggest challenges for the majority of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, writes NOISE.
