The average income of households in Bulgaria was 587.21 leva in May 2007, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) said.

This is 15.7 per cent higher than May 2006 figures, Dnevnik daily said.

A person in Bulgaria made an average of 231.95 leva in May 2007. Personal income a year earlier was 202.61 leva.

Despite the increase, the average income in Bulgaria was far lower than EU levels, Dnevnik said.

Bulgarians’ main income was from monthly salaries, followed by pensions.

Households’ expenses averaged 562.55 leva in May 2007, 15 per cent higher than May 2006.

Personal expenses were 222.21 leva. A year ago the sum spent by a single person was 195.27 leva.