Nearly half of the working people in Hungary are childless and if they are not in the “high income category”, they are worse off than they were in 2010. On the other hand, those in retirement can take advantage of the 5.2% inflation-linked pension increase, while the cost of general expenses is lower.

Based on the KSH data, Origo estimated the main expenses for each family in 2010 including food, energy (electricity, gas, firewood) and transport (car maintenance, public transport); and calculated how much more expensive it is to keep quality consumption on a sustainable level this year, given that the rise in household incomes differs for each family.



The charts also reveal the increase in food (17%) and transport prices (31%), and in some cases the price drop of durable goods (clothing) in 2013. Due to tax reliefs for families, parents of two with average salaries have HUF 30.000 spare money per month, while wealthier parents with an income of HUF 800.000 benefited the most with almost HUF 400.000 to spend (shown as other expenses on chart).

Those without children on minimum wage and singles working in health-care have significantly less money on hands to keep up their 2010 life-style.



Overall, it would seem that having children in Hungary makes life both cheaper and easier.



Source: ORIGO

By Tímea Klincsek