According to a recent survey, a quarter of people would be sent to the floor by even a 100,000 dollar expense.

Illustration: ATV Hungary / Youtube

The Equilibrium Institute is published quarterly in poverty research examines how much money Hungarians need on an individual level for a tight, average or carefree life. The results that the 24.hu explained, they are astonishing:

Based on the most recent data collection, since the summer, a Hungarian would typically need HUF 250,000 net per month to make ends meet.

According to those interviewed, a net monthly income of HUF 350,000 per person is needed for an average standard of living. The respondents can imagine a carefree life with a net monthly income of HUF 600,000.

On the other hand, 3 percent of the respondents have no income, while 47 percent can manage with a monthly net income of less than 250,000.

This means that every second respondent – without spousal or relative support – cannot raise the net amount of HUF 250,000 necessary for a meager living. 24 percent of respondents earn between 250,000 and 350,000 – that is, the income of nearly three-quarters of Hungarians (74 percent) does not reach the level of 350,000 that is considered average for living. 23 percent earn between 350,000 and 750,000, and 3 percent earn more than 750,000 per month. The survey also revealed:

25 percent of people believe that they would not be able to cope with covering a HUF 100,000 sudden expense.

December news that the Central Statistical Office (KSH) announced, the average net monthly earnings almost reached 390 thousand. Comparing the results of the Equilibrium Institute and the KSH, it is clear that the average salary masks the real situation: although the majority earn far below the average, the average is raised by the wages of the best earners.

The survey by the Equilibrium Institute is representative, with a margin of error of 3.2 percent.