North Macedonia economic data shows rising costs and salary trends

Economic data from North Macedonia reveals a significant gap between average earnings and the cost of living for a standard household. According to the August union basket calculation, a four-person family requires 68,675 denars to cover basic monthly needs. This figure rises to 84,050 denars if the family must pay rent for a 60-square-meter apartment. Food and beverages constitute the largest single expense at 25,032 denars, or approximately 36 percent of the minimum budget.

Other essential costs include education (7,192 denars), clothing and footwear (6,511 denars), housing (6,400 denars), and transport (5,175 denars). The data highlights that two minimum net salaries, which stand at 26,046 denars each, are insufficient to cover the minimum household basket, even without rent considerations.

Separately, the State Statistical Office reported that the average net monthly salary in June 2026 reached 48,381 denars, marking a 6.4 percent annual increase. The average gross salary rose by 6.5 percent to 72,785 denars. Growth was most notable in the administrative and auxiliary services sector, which saw a 10.6 percent increase, as well as in agriculture and transport.