Serbia's living wage for 2026 calculated at 154,740 dinars, far exceeding minimum wage

The Center for Emancipatory Politics (CPE) has calculated that the living wage in Serbia for 2026 will be 154,740 dinars. This figure represents the income necessary to cover the basic social and existential needs of workers and their families, aligning with definitions in Serbia's Labor Law and International Labor Organization standards.

“

Any increase in minimum wages should be seen as a positive trend, but it must also be considered that these wages, even with announced increases, fall far short of the living wage amount.

The CPE's latest calculation, based on inflation trends in 2025, reveals a persistent gap between the minimum wage and a living wage. While the gap has narrowed annually, it remains substantial. The current average minimum wage of approximately 65,000 dinars covers only 42% of what is considered sufficient for a dignified life, according to the CPE.

Despite announcements from the Serbian government that the minimum wage might reach 70,000 dinars in January 2027, the CPE questions its adequacy. "Any increase in minimum wages should be seen as a positive trend, but it must also be considered that these wages, even with announced increases, fall far short of the living wage amount," the CPE stated. They added that it is "even more devastating" that the minimum wage in 2027 will remain below the poverty risk threshold for a three-person household, which was 82,213 dinars in 2025.

“

It is even more devastating that the minimum wage in 2027 will remain below the poverty risk threshold for a three-person household, which was 82,213 dinars in 2025.

The CPE emphasized that while the legal framework mandates that the lowest incomes should guarantee a dignified life for working families, the reality is different, with minimum wages perpetuating poverty. They advocate for a living wage assessment and a development policy aimed at ensuring everyone earns a dignified wage for living, not just surviving. The calculation methodology is based on research by the international Clean Clothes Campaign network.

“

That is why we need a living wage assessment and a development policy that will aim to provide everyone with dignified wages to live on, not just survive.