In 2026, salaries in neighboring EU countries remain significantly higher than in Ukraine. The largest gap is observed with Poland, where the average salary after taxes is about €1480, while in Ukraine it is around €406. Finance.ua writes about this.
Salaries in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova
According to the latest data from August 2026, the average salary in Ukraine is about 23,000 UAH before tax and 18,500 UAH, or approximately €406, after taxes.
For comparison, the average net salaries in neighboring countries are as follows:
- Poland - 6350 zlotys, or about €1480;
- Slovakia - around €1230;
- Hungary - 455,500 forints, or about €1150;
- Romania - 5300 lei, or about €1060;
- Moldova - 11,600 lei, or about €600.
There is also a significant difference in minimum wages. In Poland, the minimum wage after taxes is approximately €835, in Slovakia - €715, in Romania - €605, in Hungary - €540. In Moldova, the figure is about €260, while in Ukraine it is only €141.
The most lucrative sectors in Poland remain IT, finance, medicine, engineering, transport, and logistics. In Slovakia, high incomes are enjoyed by IT specialists, managers, finance professionals, engineers, and automotive industry workers. A similar situation exists in Hungary and Romania.
If you are interested in working in Poland, we suggest checking out 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
High Salaries in the EU Are Partially Eaten Away by Rent and Other Expenses
Higher salaries do not necessarily mean proportionately higher disposable income. In the major cities of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost €550-800 per month, while utilities and maintenance can add another €150-250.
In Ukrainian regional centers, except for the most expensive cities, similar housing costs are estimated at about €200-350, while utility expenses are around €60-100. In Chisinau, rent is approximately €300-450.
Groceries in Poland and Romania are often priced similarly to those in Ukraine, while in Slovakia and Hungary, the grocery basket can be 15-30% more expensive. Transport, household services, the beauty sector, and some medical services in neighboring EU countries are also more costly.
Thus, Poland shows the largest discrepancy in salaries compared to Ukraine. However, after accounting for housing, utilities, food, and transport costs, the real gap in purchasing power becomes smaller.
It should be noted that in Ukraine, the minimum wage is twice as low as in Moldova.