Almost two-fifths of Slovak households do not feel they can afford a decent and safe life. This is shown by a fresh survey by the Focus agency, according to which a family of three to four people needs on average 2,720 euros per month to cover basic expenses.
These figures do not reflect luxury. By a decent standard, people primarily mean the ability to pay for housing, energy, quality food, and to create at least a minimal financial reserve.
What the reality of ordinary earnings shows
On the Slovak labor market, the average gross salary in the second quarter of 2026 rose to 1,707 euros, but most workers do not actually see this amount. Salary records for most of the population are lower, and real wages after accounting for inflation have even decreased by 0.5 percent year-on-year.
- Two average salaries: If both partners in a household work for the average salary, the family budget barely reaches the necessary threshold of 2,720 euros.
- Minimum wages: With the legally set minimum wage at 915 euros gross (which is about 850–860 euros net), a household dependent on such income would need more than three salaries to reach a decent standard.
What financial security depends on
The survey indicates that the perception of living standards changes sharply depending on total income. If with monthly incomes under one thousand euros only 35 percent of people feel some confidence, then with amounts over 2,600 euros this share rises to 82 percent.
For many foreign workers and new residents of the country, this means that ordinary living expenses related to inflation and energy prices consume most of their salaries, while the space for larger savings remains limited.
