Minimum wage in 2026: real living standards in Ukraine and Europe

The minimum wage sounds like a guarantee of basic well-being, but in practice, it's all about purchasing power. Let's look at what the minimum income in Ukraine, Poland, and Germany in 2026 will actually be enough for, taking into account housing, food, and daily expenses

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It is quite misleading to compare minimum wages by numbers alone. It is much more important to understand what kind of lifestyle they really allow: whether they are enough money for rent, normal food, medical expenses, and basic recreation.

In 2026, the difference between the minimum incomes in Ukraine and the EU countries remains significant, but not everything is as clear as it seems at first glance. In this article, we will look at the minimum wage through the eyes of an ordinary person - without abstract calculations and statistical illusions - and compare what it means for life in Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.

In the previous article, we talked about the conditions of social support for Ukrainians in different European countries.

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Minimum wage in Ukraine: what it covers in practice

The minimum wage in Ukraine alone does not guarantee financial stability, especially in large cities. The decisive factor is not the nominal income, but what basic needs it actually covers after the mandatory expenses.

In 2026, after taxes, an employee in Ukraine will receive about UAH 6,960 in cash. For comparison, in Kyiv or Lviv, the rent for even a small room or one-room apartment in the suburbs often exceeds UAH 8 thousand. This means that a person with a minimum wage cannot actually rent a home on their own without additional sources of income or cohabitation.

Even if the housing issue is resolved (e.g., living with family), most of the income is spent on basic needs. It is estimated that 60-70% of the minimum income is spent on food and utilities. After that, there is almost no money left for clothing, medical treatment, transportation, or leisure.

The actual minimum wage in Ukraine in 2026:

- Does not cover independent housing rent;

- Provides only a basic level of nutrition;

- Does not allow for savings;

- Leaves a person financially vulnerable to any unforeseen expenses.

That is why the minimum income in Ukraine should be considered not as a tool to ensure the quality of life, but as a survival line, especially in the context of rising prices and utility costs.

Earlier, we told you what percentage of Ukrainians actually plan to return home after the war.

Poland: minimum wage and basic comfort

Poland remains one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainians working at the minimum wage. The main reason is that even the minimum income here allows you to cover basic needs without a constant financial deficit.

In 2026, the minimum wage in Poland is PLN 3,605 net. Renting a studio or small apartment in a big city costs an average of PLN 2,000-2,500 per month. After paying for housing, there is 1,100-1,500 PLN left for food and daily expenses.

This amount is usually enough for normal meals, transportation, and basic household needs without austerity. At the same time, opportunities for savings remain limited: the minimum wage in Poland provides a stable but very basic standard of living.

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Germany: minimum income and the ability to plan

In Germany, the minimum wage in 2026 is about 1,700 euros net. The main expense is housing: renting a room in a shared apartment or a small studio usually costs 600-900 euros per month.

After paying for housing, health insurance, and a travel ticket (49 euros), an employee has about 500-600 euros left over. This money is enough for quality food, daily expenses, and moderate leisure: from going to a cafe to the movies or short trips.

Unlike in Ukraine and Poland, the minimum wage in Germany allows not only to cover basic needs but also to build up a small financial reserve. This is what makes life on a minimum income here more predictable and psychologically stable.

In our previous article, we told you that Ukraine has become part of the EU roaming scheme.

How will the minimum wage in 2026 affect Ukraine and the EU?

For the majority of Ukrainians, 2026 will remain an economically challenging year. The increase in the minimum wage to UAH 8,647 will only partially compensate for the rise in food, utility and transportation prices. In real terms, the purchasing power of the minimum income remains low, and many people will continue to find renting a home on their own unaffordable.

At the same time, further increases in minimum wages in the EU, particularly in Poland and Germany, are widening the gap in living standards. Even at a modest cost, working for a minimum wage in Europe provides a more predictable financial balance, with the ability to cover housing, basic needs, and plan ahead. This creates additional incentives for labor migration, especially after the end of martial law in Ukraine.

For the European Union, 2026 will be a significant year in terms of implementing the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive. The key question is not only the amount of the minimum income, but whether it can guarantee a basic level of well-being without constant state support. Practice shows that the cost of housing remains the decisive factor: it determines whether the minimum wage turns into a tool of stability or remains only a formal social guarantee.

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Reminder! Ukrainians who have left the country due to the war and are working in other countries must declare their income earned there. At the same time, they do not need to pay taxes again in Ukraine if this income has already been taxed abroad. You can find out more about the taxation system for Ukrainians abroad here.

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