According to Eurostat data, in 2024 Bulgaria and Estonia ranked second to last in the EU in terms of actual individual consumption (AIC) per capita. This important indicator of household material well-being is lowest in Hungary, at 72% of the EU average. In Bulgaria and Estonia, the indicator stood at 74%, whereas in Luxembourg it reached 141% of the EU average.

The National Statistical Institute defines PPC as the goods and services actually consumed by households, regardless of whether they are purchased and paid for directly by households, the government, or non-profit organisations.

• Income inequality in Bulgaria is widening
• NSI: One in four parents cannot afford to take their children on holiday

However, Bulgaria remains last in terms of GDP per capita, a key indicator of economic activity, at 66% of the EU average, according to Eurostat.