Kiyans need a salary of 52 thousand for the Warsaw level: an analysis of purchasing power

The standard of living in Ukraine and Europe

To maintain a standard of living in Warsaw equivalent to the average salary in Kyiv, income must be significantly higher. Thus, a person earning a conditional 30,000 UAH in the Ukrainian capital needs to earn 52,700 UAH in the Polish capital to maintain the same purchasing power.

This analysis is based on data from the aggregator Numbeo, processed by 'Economic Truth'. At the same time, according to the July inflation report of the National Bank, since 2016, prices for food in Ukraine have increased by an average of 79% in euro equivalent, while in EU countries - only by 46%. Despite this, certain goods, such as butter and pork, are more expensive in Ukraine than in Poland.

Differences in income levels

The key difference lies not only in prices but also in income levels. The average salary in Warsaw is approximately three times higher than in Kyiv and amounts to the equivalent of 90,000 UAH. In Berlin, this figure reaches about 140,000 UAH, which exceeds the capital income in Ukraine by more than four times. Although living in the German capital is 114% more expensive and renting housing is twice as high, higher salaries allow the average Berliner to have significantly greater purchasing power.

Categories of goods and services

• Transport and utilities. Public transport in Kyiv remains one of the cheapest in Europe (0.2-0.4 euros per trip), while in most EU capitals, a ticket costs several euros. In Warsaw, the cost of travel is five times higher. Fuel in Ukraine is about a quarter cheaper due to lower excise taxes.

• Food products. The basic food basket (bread, milk, vegetables) in Ukraine is significantly cheaper. According to Numbeo, the food price index in Kyiv is 32 points, in Warsaw - 46, and in Paris - 79.

• Dining and entertainment. A lunch at a Kyiv restaurant costs an average of 750 UAH, while in Warsaw, it is 60% more expensive, and in Paris - 90%. A movie ticket in Kyiv (about 200 UAH) is also significantly cheaper than European counterparts (400-600 UAH).

• Education and medicine. The cost of private kindergarten or school in Kyiv is almost twice lower than in Warsaw or Paris. At the same time, prices for drugs and medical services are not much lower than European ones due to a significant share of imported drugs.

It is worth noting that prices for vegetables in September demonstrate noticeable fluctuations. The cost of potatoes, onions, and carrots can vary significantly between supermarkets and markets, where products are often much cheaper. Also, the prices of watermelons and melons at the end of the season differ many times.

Moreover, rental prices for apartments in Ukraine are breaking records. The most expensive city for renting housing is Uzhhorod, surpassing Kyiv and Lviv.

Summary: Ukraine and European countries have noticeable differences in income levels and prices for goods and services. Salaries in Europe are significantly higher, but living costs also rise. It is important for Ukrainians to take these differences into account to maintain their standard of living.