The trade union consumer basket for the second quarter of 2025 (April, May, and June) amounts to €2,010, according to the Union of Free Trade Unions (USS).
This represents a cost increase of 0.50%, or €10, compared to the first quarter of 2025.
“The latest research conducted by the Center for Education, Information and Trade Union Research shows that two average salaries are still needed for a four-member family in Montenegro to meet the minimum conditions for a dignified life,” the USS stated.
According to the methodology, the trade union consumer basket (TUC basket) includes ten categories of expenses, with changes recorded in two categories during Q2 2025:
Food costs increased by €15 (2.44%) compared to the previous quarter, now totaling €630. This is the second consecutive quarter in which this category has recorded an increase (Q4 2024 – €585; Q1 2025 – €615).
Housing and utility costs decreased by €5 (2%) compared to the first quarter of 2025, when they amounted to €250 per month. This change is a result of reduced electricity consumption during the spring period, due to lower heating/cooling needs in the observed quarter.
When comparing the consumer basket for this quarter to Q2 2024, there has been an increase of €140 (or 7.49%) over the past year, the statement concludes.
