Serbia living wage gap: 154,740 dinars needed for 2026

The Center for Emancipation Policies (CPE) has calculated that a living wage in Serbia for 2026 must be 154,740 dinars to cover the basic social and existential needs of workers and their families. This figure is based on inflationary trends projected for 2025 and aligns with standards set by the International Labour Organization.

There is a significant gap between this required living wage and the projected minimum wage. While the Serbian government has announced a minimum wage of approximately 65,000 dinars for 2026, with potential increases toward 70,000 dinars by 2027, the CPE notes that the current minimum wage covers only about 42 percent of what is necessary for a dignified life. The organization warns that even with planned increases, the minimum wage will remain below the poverty risk threshold for a three-member household.

Research by the Youth Organization of Serbia (KOMS) corroborates these findings, showing that nearly 70 percent of young people believe a monthly salary exceeding 130,000 dinars is necessary for a decent life. However, only 13 percent of surveyed youth actually earn more than that amount, highlighting a stark disparity between real income and the cost of living.