In Albania, 31% of the minimum wage is needed to cover the cost of basic foods, according to a new study by British research company Picodi.
The study analysed the minimum wage in 52 countries, as well as the cost of basic food items including milk, chicken, cheese, fruit, vegetables, eggs, rice, and bread. They then calculated the percentage of the minimum wage needed each month to purchase these items for the average family. Picodi illustrated their findings using Hong Kong as an example.
Calculations by the Citizens Channel portal using the indexed prices on Nuembo.com, draw a picture of Albania’s situation in this regard.
According to their findings, an Albanian family needs ALL 9,183.14 per month for a basic food shop. This includes 10 loaves of bread, 10l of milk, 2.5kg of rice, 20 eggs, 1kg of cheese, 8kg of vegetables, 6kg of fruit, 3kg of chicken, and 3kg of beef.
As of January 2019, the minimum wage for those working 174 hours in a month is ALL 26,000. This makes Albania the country with the lowest wages not only when compared to its closest neighbours in the region, but in the rest of Europe as well.
In Euros, Albanian workers take home a minimium wage of EUR 210.66 followed by Bulgaria with EUR 286.33, Serbia EUR 307.63, Montenegro EUR 331.33, Turkey EUR 422.26 and Romania EUR 446.02.
