AZE.US
A monthly income of more than 1,000 manats (about $588) is needed for one person to live comfortably in Baku, according to economist Fuad Ibrahimov.
Ibrahimov cited rising food prices and increasing spending on healthcare, education and other everyday needs. However, Baku residents interviewed on the issue offered widely differing estimates, ranging from 500 to 2,000 manats per month.
Several respondents said the amount largely depends on whether a person owns a home or must pay rent.
“If you have your own apartment, you need at least 1,000 to 1,500 manats a month. If you do not, you need around 2,000 manats,” one resident said.
He noted that many people earn between 600 and 700 manats per month, which is no longer enough to cover basic expenses in the capital.
Other respondents also placed the minimum monthly income at about 1,500 manats, pointing to the high cost of groceries, medical care, children’s education and utility bills.
Some residents, however, said 1,000 manats could be enough for a single person who owns a home and has no major debts or medical expenses. One respondent estimated his monthly spending at around 500 manats and argued that economists were overstating the amount required.
Pensioners described a much more difficult situation. They said pensions of 380 to 430 manats leave little money for food and medicine after utility bills are paid.
“I can only look at fruit at my age. I cannot afford to buy it,” one pensioner said.
Most respondents identified food as their largest expense. Utility bills, particularly gas payments during the winter, add further pressure to household budgets.
The responses suggest that 1,000 manats may cover the basic monthly needs of a single person who owns a home. For tenants, families with children and people facing significant healthcare costs, however, that amount is unlikely to provide a comfortable standard of living in the capital of Azerbaijan.
AZE.US