The average household in North Macedonia needed at least Mden 33,702 (USD 650) to meet living expenses in February 2021, which makes the monthly cost of living Mden 5,500 (USD 106) higher than the average monthly salary, according to figures released by the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia and the State Statistical Office.
According to the Federation‘s minimal consumer basket—an estimate of the bare necessities for a family of four—Mden 14,087 (USD 272) were needed to cover monthly food costs and Mden 10,825 (USD 209) to cover monthly utilities. Transportation costs amounted to Mden 2,478 (USD 48). For clothing and footwear, the average family needed Mden 2,131 (USD 41) and for entertainment Mden 1,067 (USD 21).
Citing SSO data, the labor unionists note that the average monthly salary covers only 70 percent of a family’s basic needs. They ask that average salaries as well as the country’s minimum wages be raised.
According to them, minimum wages should be equivalent to 60 percent of the median salary in the country, as is the case in the EU.
