BUCHAREST, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Romanian households experienced income growth in 2024, according to data released on Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Average monthly earnings rose by over 15 percent to 8,270 lei (1,877 U.S. dollars), of which nearly 85 percent went on expenses, INS reported.
Wages and salaries were the main income source, making up over two-thirds of total earnings. Social benefits contributed around one-fifth, while in-kind income, such as goods produced and consumed by households, accounted for nearly 7 percent, slightly down from the previous year.
Monthly spending also increased, reaching 7,013 lei per household, up by 790 lei from 2023.
Most expenses went on consumption, followed by taxes and social contributions. Urban households spent around 30 percent more than those in rural areas.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest spending category, followed by housing and utilities, clothing and footwear, and alcohol and tobacco. (1 Romanian leu = 0.23 U.S. dollar) ■
