The minimal amount needed to cover basic living expenses in 2006 was 935.1 lei per month, representing an increase of 22.1% compared to last year. Compared to 2001 this sum is twice larger. According to the National Statistics Bureau data, the growth in the minimal amount needed for living was influenced by prices on food products, and the weight of expenses that are allocated for food products and services providing for their production/distribution. In urban areas the “consumer basket” is 41.1% of the minimal amount needed for living, while in rural areas it represents 31.8%. By population categories, the maximum value of the minimal amount needed for living expenses is attributed to the employable segment of the society – representing an average of 987 lei. The separate calculation for men on minimal expenses for living is 1044.6 lei. Pensioners’ minimal amount for living is of 800.3 lei, while as of January 1 2007, the pension increase was of 442.3 lei. The expenses for raising a child suggest the allocation of an average of 851.9 lei per month, depending on the age of the child, 333.6 lei for a child aged one or younger, and up to 952.2 lei for children aged 7-15 years.