Argentina: Regional disparities in food and basic basket costs

Recent reports highlight significant regional variations in the cost of living and food prices across Argentina. According to data from Analytica, the most expensive middle-class food basket was recorded in Santa Cruz ($1,067,161), followed by other Patagonian provinces including Chubut, Tierra del Fuego, Río Negro, and Neuquén. Conversely, the most affordable purchases were found in Catamarca, La Rioja, and Mendoza.

In the northern region of Santa Cruz, a joint study by the Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral (UNPA) and the CGT monitored basic basket costs in Caleta Olivia, Las Heras, and Puerto Deseado. The findings indicate that a typical family of four requires more than $2.1 million pesos to avoid falling below the poverty line. Specifically, the Total Basic Basket (CBT) was calculated at $2,181,561 in Caleta Olivia, $2,223,703 in Las Heras, and $2,330,009 in Puerto Deseado.

Researchers noted that official methodologies may underestimate the actual cost of living by failing to fully account for the rising weight of rent and public services on household budgets. While the Food Basic Basket (CBA) serves as the threshold for indigence, the CBT—which includes food, clothing, transport, health, and education—reflects the broader poverty line.