Household Incomes and Spending in Bulgaria See Strong Growth in 2024, Real Incomes Up by 15.7%
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: Bulgarian households experienced notable financial growth in 2024, with both incomes and expenses continuing their upward trajectory, according to the latest data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
The average total annual income per household member rose to 12,857 leva, marking an 18.5% increase compared to 2023. The long-term trend remains strongly positive — household incomes have more than doubled over the last decade, growing by 2.6 times since 2015.
Expenditures kept pace. The average annual expense per person reached 11,712 leva, up 16.6% from last year’s 10,044 leva. Since 2015, household expenses have increased 2.5 times, reflecting both higher prices and evolving consumption habits.
Real income growth — adjusted for inflation — also impressed, posting a 15.7% year-on-year rise. The real income index, compared to 2015 levels, now stands at 178.1%, underscoring substantial improvement in purchasing power and living standards over the decade.
Shifts in consumption patterns were also recorded. While the consumption of bread, pasta, and potatoes declined, there was an uptick in the intake of fruit, meat, and soft drinks. These changes reflect a continuation of trends seen in recent years, highlighting how Bulgarian consumers are gradually adapting to new dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.
Overall, the 2024 data signals a positive economic outlook for Bulgarian households, with growing incomes and evolving consumption behaviors pointing to broader socio-economic transformation.
