Moldovans Need 2 Monthly Wages for $1,580 iPhone 17 Pro, Study Shows

1 articles · Updated · radiomoldova.md · Aug 28

Moldova ranked 10th among 41 markets in a 2026 study, with a 256 GB iPhone 17 Pro priced at about $1,580, or roughly 27,000 lei.
That price equals about two net average monthly salaries, based on Moldova's average net wage of roughly 13,900 lei, underscoring the device's weak affordability.
Moldova's retail price is higher than in several EU countries including Finland, Portugal, Greece and Italy, even though its standard VAT rate is 20%.
Turkey topped the ranking at $2,592, followed by Brazil at $2,260 and Egypt at $1,872, while Japan was cheapest at $1,121.
The study said import tariffs, local distribution costs and taxation are the main drivers behind the wide cross-country price gap.