Cost of living rises in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The cost of living in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to rise, creating a significant gap between wages and essential expenses. According to the latest available data from the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the union consumer basket for a four-person family was calculated at 3,290.07 KM in June. Projections for August suggest this figure may reach approximately 3,300 KM.

There is a stark disparity between these costs and local earnings. The average salary of 1,706 KM covers only 51.86% of the consumer basket, leaving a deficit of roughly 1,584 KM. The minimum wage of 1,027 KM covers just 31.22% of the required amount. Even a household relying on two minimum wages (totaling 2,054 KM) would still face a monthly shortfall of over 1,200 KM.

Food represents the largest single expense, accounting for 49.02% of the total basket, or approximately 1,613 KM per month. Other major costs include housing and utilities at 13.38%, clothing and footwear at 12.16%, and household maintenance at 7.60%.