Romania’s middle class has experienced significant growth, reaching 61% of the population in 2023, marking a 10-percentage point increase since joining the EU. Despite this growth, which is the largest in the region, Romania still holds the second-lowest middle class size after Bulgaria. This analysis was conducted by Ella Kallai, the chief economist of Alpha Bank Romania.

The middle class expansion in Romania is attributed to the reduction in the high-income class share from 14% in 2007 to 8% in 2023, as well as a decrease in the low-income class share from 35% in 2007 to 31% in 2023.

Compared to other EU member states like Greece and Italy, Romania exhibits a larger middle class and lower income inequality. The average annual disposable