At the end of 2012, the average Croatian household had a monthly income of HRK 6,300 and as many as 76 per cent felt that they needed HRK 8,955 on average to meet basic costs and needs, according to a survey on the income and costs of Croatian households last year.
The survey, conducted by the GfK pollster, shows that an average four-member family has an income of HRK 7,830 but needs HRK 3,300 more, that is a total of HRK 11,130, to meet all of its needs and costs.
In 2011, the average Croatian household needed at least HRK 8,824 for its necessities, while last year it needed HRK 8,955, but the average household's income dropped from HRK 6,610 to 6,300.
A household's income should be 73% higher than it is, the survey shows.
Seventy-six per cent of households have a lower income than what they need for basic necessities, 7% have higher incomes and 13% earn enough to meet the basic costs and needs.
Broken down by region, the monthly income is highest in Zagreb (HRK 7,043) and lowest in Slavonia (HRK 5,280).
Food and drink account for 33% of a household's monthly expenses. If the costs of housing are added to this, it results in a conclusion that a total of 54% income went on fundamental necessities in 2012 as against 48% in 2011.
In 2012, the cost of food and drink went up 9% on the year, while housing costs rose 5%.
