BES-AR: Hunger limit for family of four reaches 49,556 lira

The Bureau of Office Workers Research Center (BES-AR) has released its findings for the August 2026 period regarding hunger and poverty limits. According to the research, the monthly hunger limit—the amount required for a family of four to maintain healthy nutrition—has reached 49,556 lira. The daily cost for healthy nutrition for such a family exceeds 1,651 lira.

When essential expenses such as rent, housing, electricity, water, fuel, transportation, education, and health are included, the poverty line for a family of four rises to 122,117 lira. For a single worker living alone, the monthly cost of living is calculated at 78,223 lira.

The report highlights a significant gap between the minimum wage and basic needs. The current minimum wage of 28,075 lira remains 76.51 percent below the hunger limit. This means the minimum wage does not cover even the basic food requirements for a family of four, leaving a deficit of 21,481 lira for food alone. Additionally, the research notes a growing housing crisis for public employees in major cities, with some workers spending 75-80 percent of their salaries on rent.