Hungary currently enjoys a higher standard of living than the other ex-COMECON countries. Around 90% of households have refrigerators, washing machines and tvs. Demand for luxury goods is rising. In 1992, Hungary was the second biggest market after Germany for BMW cars.
Real wages fell less in Hungary than in other Eastern European states. However, Hungarians have to work longer hours to pay for basic consumer goods than their Western European counterparts. Per capita GDP is still lower than that in the poorest EU state. There is also a growing sense of inequality between those working in the state and private sectors.
