The average income of a Bulgarian household reached 470.11 leva in March 2006, data of the National Statistical Institute shows.

For the same period last year, the average income did not exceed 419 leva, mediapool.bg reported.

An average Bulgarian household has 2.53 members, the data shows.

In March 2006 the average household expenditure was 441.76 leva, compared to the 403.53 leva for March 2005.

Income from wages, pensions, entrepreneurship and property sale is on the rise. Unemployment compensation, social aid, child care funds and credits decreased.

Bulgarian households spent nearly 36 per cent of their income on food, followed by spending on electricity, water and heating. People spent less on taxation and transportation, compared to the 2005 levels.