The average salary earned in August was 4,003 kuna, which could cover only 76.12 percent of those minimum costs.
The spending on food accounted for 32.89 percent of 'the basket'.
The spending on housing made up 30.74 percent, but they were higher for the four-member family, who were tenants in a leased flat (44.38 percent in their minimum monthly costs of 6,548 kuna).
Costs for education and culture made up 12.73 percent, clothing 10.41 percent, transport 8.66 percent and hygienic items accounted for 4.58 percent.
According to the costs in Croatia regions, 'the basket' was cheapest in eastern Croatia with the minimum costs of 4,962 kuna. The average four-member family in southwestern Croatia had to allocate the highest amount, namely 5,598 kuna to cover minimum costs last month. The costs in northwestern Croatia were 5,472 kuna. Those living in the capital of Zagreb and its surrounding had to ensure 5,152 kuna to cover the minimum monthly costs. The costs in southern region of Dalmatia came to 5,256 kuna.
The Consumer Price Index in the first eight months of 2004 remained at the two-percent level, according to the SSSH estimates.
The unemployment rate in September was 17.6, as against the 17.2 rate in August when the number of jobless Croatians fell thanks to the summer season jobs,
(1EUR = 7.5 kuna)