The Association of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH) has calculated that the consumer basket for September 2024 amounts to 3,131.10 Bosnian marks (€1,600). This figure is based on the minimal living expenses for a four-member family, consisting of two adults and two children, one of whom is in high school and the other in primary school.

In comparison, the average salary paid in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) for July 2024, according to the latest data from the Federal Institute of Statistics, stood at 1,387.00 Bosnian marks (€710). The government-mandated minimum wage in the FBiH is 619 marks (€317). This reveals a concerning disparity between wages and living costs, as the average salary covers only 44.3% of the consumer basket, while the minimum wage covers just 19.8%.

The consumer basket consists of several categories that reflect the basic needs of a typical household. These categories, and their corresponding percentage of the total basket, are as follows:

– Food – 42.43%

– Housing and utilities – 13.20%
– Hygiene and healthcare – 8.67%
– Education and culture – 13.41%
– Clothing and footwear – 11.49%
– Transport – 4.41%

– Household maintenance – 6.39%

For the food category, prices were based on 86 items across three major retail centers. The hygiene and healthcare category includes the cost of 10 essential items, while the housing and utilities category comprises the cost of six different items.

These figures starkly highlight the financial pressure faced by families in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as salaries—both average and minimum—fall far short of meeting basic living expenses. The gap between wages and the cost of living is an ongoing issue, raising concerns about economic inequality and the standard of living in the country. The trade union's data provides a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by many households struggling to make ends meet.