Cost of living in Armenia increased faster than minimum pension, economist says

The cost of living in Armenia increased more rapidly than the minimum pension over the past six years, according to economist and former labor minister Mesrop Arakelyan.

Citing official figures, Arakelyan noted that in early 2019, the gap between the minimum consumer basket and the minimum pension stood at 35,600 drams (61,100 - 25,500). In 2025, this gap rose to 39,800 drams (75,800 - 36,000).

"In other words, the cost of living has outpaced pension growth in six years," the ex-minister wrote on Facebook on Monday.

"The minimum pension in Armenia must exceed the cost of the minimum consumer basket," he added.