LSM: Minimum Trade Union Basket Reaches 68,675 Denars in August

A family in Macedonia needed 68,675 denars in August 2026 to cover the minimum trade union basket, according to data published by the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (LSM). Compared with July, when the basket cost 68,498 denars, its value increased by 177 denars.

The largest expense in this calculation is food and beverages. A family needs 25,032 denars per month for these necessities, making this category the largest component of the minimum basket.

According to the breakdown calculated by LSM, education ranks next at 7,192 denars. A total of 6,511 denars is allocated for clothing and footwear, while expenses for rent, water, electricity and heating amount to 6,370 denars. Transportation accounts for 5,175 denars, while restaurants and hotels account for 4,131 denars.

The monthly basket also includes 3,677 denars for communication, 2,692 denars for hygiene and 1,196 denars for healthcare. LSM data show that food and beverages, together with expenses for education, clothing, housing, transportation, communication and healthcare, place a considerable burden on the household budget.