Union’s consumer basket in Bosnia exceeds €1,600 in March

According to data from the Federation of BiH’s Bureau of Statistics, the average salary in the Federation for January 2025 was 1,546 marks (approximately €791). Meanwhile, the minimum wage set by the Federation’s government stands at 1,000 marks (approximately €512). This means that the average salary covers only 48.83% of the consumer basket, while the minimum wage covers just 31.58%.

The consumer basket calculation is based on the costs of a four-member household, consisting of two adults and two children—one attending secondary school and the other in primary school.

The basket includes several expense categories: food (44.63% of total costs), housing and utilities (13.85%), hygiene and healthcare (9.37%), education and culture (10.11%), clothing and footwear (11.37%), transportation (4.35%), and household maintenance (6.32%).

For the food category, prices of 86 items from three retail chains were analysed, while hygiene and healthcare costs were based on 10 items. Housing and utility expenses included six different cost factors, the SSSBiH said.