Giurgiu becomes the poorest county in Romania, NIQ data shows

In 2026, Giurgiu became the county with the lowest purchasing power in Romania, according to data from market research company NIQ. Disposable income per capita stands at €5,816, approximately half the national average of €11,283.

Until this year, Vaslui had consistently ranked last among counties by purchasing power. Nationwide, 33 of the 41 counties are below average. Only Bucharest and the top eight counties in the ranking exceed this threshold.

The capital leads by a wide margin, with €22,941 per resident available for spending and savings. This level is nearly four times higher than in Giurgiu and approximately 25% above that of Cluj County, which ranks second with €17,274.

Bucharest is the only region in Romania to exceed the European average, by 8.5%. At continental level, Romania ranks 32nd out of 42 countries analyzed in 2026. Although purchasing power increased from last year, from €11,105 to €11,283, Romania dropped one place, and its level represents 53% of the European average of €21,153.

In Europe, Liechtenstein ranks first, with €78,520 per resident, followed by Switzerland and Iceland. Ukraine is at the bottom of the ranking, with €3,456 per resident.