The Trade Union Minimum Basket Increased by 757 Denars and Reached 69,432 Denars

IN ONE YEAR THE MINIMUM COST OF LIVING ROSE BY 4,355 DENARS, IN TWO YEARS BY 8,126 DENARS

The Trade Union Minimum Basket for September 2026 is 69,432 denars. Compared to August 2026, when it was 68,675 denars, the value of the basket increased by 757 denars.

But the real picture of how costs are moving is seen when compared with the same month in previous years.

In September 2025, the Trade Union Minimum Basket was 65,077 denars. In just one year, the required minimum monthly budget increased by 4,355 denars.

In September 2024, the value of the Trade Union Minimum Basket was 61,306 denars, meaning that over two years, up to September 2026, it increased by 8,126 denars.

In January 2026, the Trade Union Minimum Basket was 66,413 denars, and in September it reached 69,432 denars, an increase of 3,019 denars. In other words, every month since the beginning of the year has brought an additional burden on the family budget.

Food and beverages in September 2026 require 25,259 denars, which is 36.4% of the entire Trade Union Minimum Basket. This means that more than one third of the minimum family budget is needed just for food and beverages.

For a family living in a rented apartment of 60 square meters, the minimum monthly cost in September reached 84,807 denars, which is 15,375 denars more than the basic Trade Union Minimum Basket.

Compared to September 2024, when a rented 60 m² apartment required 76,681 denars, today 8,126 denars more are needed.

THE NUMBERS CLEARLY SHOW THE MOVEMENT OF COSTS

September 2024: 61,306 denars

September 2025: 65,077 denars

September 2026: 69,432 denars

Over two years: +8,126 denars

The Trade Union Minimum Basket is a measure of the minimum costs needed to meet the basic needs of a four-member household, and therefore every increase in its value is a direct indicator of the increased financial burden on the family budget.

SSM publicly presents the cost of living every month, because behind every figure in the Trade Union Minimum Basket stands the real life of workers and their families.