Prices, incomes and expenditures of Ukrainians: how purchasing power has changed in 2025
Rising prices: who feels it the most
According to the State Statistics Service, the consumer price index in September 2025 compared to September 2024 was about 15,2 %. Food (+18 %), transport (+21 %) and utilities (+12 %) rose the most.
At the same time, the nominal average income of Ukrainians in July 2025 was approximately 15 500 UAH, which in real terms, adjusted for inflation, gives about 13 400 UAH (a decrease of ~3 %-4 % per year).
Average monthly household expenditure (UAH)
| Expense category | 2023 (average) | 2025 (estimate) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | 9 800 | 11 250 | ▲ +14.8 % |
| Utilities | 3 200 | 3 600 | ▲ +12.5 % |
| Transport and fuel | 2 000 | 2 350 | ▲ +17.5 % |
| Medical expenses and medicines | 1 100 | 1 350 | ▲ +22.7 % |
| Entertainment services/home life | 1 500 | 1 450 | ▼ -3.3 % |
Source: calculations based on data from the State Statistics Service and surveys.
Revenues stagnate, costs rise
Ukrainian households are forced to look for compensations:
spend less on entertainment and nonessential purchases;
are more likely to turn to additional working capacity (freelance, part-time work);
increased demand for instalments and consumer lending - in the first half of 2025, the volume of consumer loans increased by 28 % compared to the same period in 2024.
What it means for Ukrainians
Real incomes are declining, Although nominally they are growing.
Most of the budget is spent on basic needsFood, utilities, transport.
Happening. breakdown of the “expenses = income + savings” model” - savings become smaller or non-existent.
Ukrainians are adapting - more freelancing, saving on services, borrowing more.
Perspective
By the end of 2025, it is expected that inflation will be 14-16 %, and average incomes will increase nominally by 8-10 %. However, without accelerated reform of the salary policy, protection of purchasing power and Reduced energy dependence, Ukrainians will have to live in the mode of “new economic modesty”.
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