economedia.ro/premiera-negativa-salariul-mediu-net

Starting from the second quarter of 2026, Bulgaria's average net salary surpassed Romania's, despite Romania's higher gross salary. This shift is attributed to Bulgaria's lower labor taxation and the depreciation of the Romanian leu. Recent data shows Bulgaria's average net salary at approximately 1,120 euros, compared to Romania's 1,099 euros. The economist Iulian Lolea highlights that Romania's previous salary advantage has diminished due to economic and fiscal changes. Bulgaria's stable fiscal environment has allowed for salary increases, while Romania faces challenges in maintaining its purchasing power. The future of Bulgaria's salary advantage may depend on responsible public finance management.