Belarus: cost of living

Are household incomes rising in Belarus?

Real disposable cash incomes of the Belarusian population were 8.1% higher in January to July 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Statistical Committee (Belstat).

Disposable income is cash income after taxes, fees and contributions, and real means it is adjusted for consumer price inflation. Wages made up 66.6% of cash income, transfers such as pensions and benefits 22.1%, business income 6.7% and property and other income 4.6%. For the full year 2025, real disposable incomes rose 9.6%, according to Belarus in Figures 2026.

Official sources: National Statistical Committee (Belstat) · Belarus in Figures 2026

How fast are food prices rising in Belarus?

Food prices in Belarus were 2.8% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Statistical Committee (Belstat). They rose 0.1% in the month. Over the same year, non-food goods rose 3.7% and services 9.0%, against overall inflation of 4.6%.

Since December 2025 food prices have risen 0.8%, compared with 3.4% for non-food goods and 8.6% for services. In January to September 2026 as a whole, food prices were 5.4% higher than in the same months of 2025. Belstat's release gives the full breakdown for the month.

Official sources: National Statistical Committee (Belstat)

What is Belarus' inflation rate?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Belarus was 6.6%, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 59.2%; its low point was 2018, at 4.9%. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; Belarus is 9th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 29th of 165.

How much do people in Belarus spend?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Belarus was $5,005, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $11,266, and Belarus placed 38th highest of 44. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 56th highest.

What share of people in Belarus live in extreme poverty?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Belarus was 0.0% in 2020. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 31st highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.3%. Worldwide: 59th of 69.

What is the poverty rate in Belarus?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Belarus at 3.5% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 15.8%; Belarus is 14th highest of 14. Of 31 countries with 2024 data, 31st highest.

What is income inequality in Belarus?

The World Bank puts the Gini index in Belarus at 24.4 in 2020. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 30.2, and Belarus placed 38th highest of 40. Worldwide: 67th of 69.

What is food insecurity in Belarus?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 1.0%. No year since 2019 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 7.6%, and Belarus placed 45th highest of 45. Worldwide: 135th of 135.