# Socioeconomic inequality in Argentina > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/socioeconomic-inequality-in-argentina > Updated: 2026-09-09T09:05:55.000Z. Sources: 62. Developments: 3. Recent economic reports highlight significant socioeconomic challenges in Argentina, focusing on child poverty and broader class structures. A report from the Observatorio de la Deuda Social Argentina (UCA) details the multidimensional nature of child poverty, which peaked at 70.4% in 2024 and was projected to affect 42.5% of children by 2026. Social assistance programs like the Asignación Universal por Hijo (AUH) remain essential for mitigating extreme indigence. Data from Consultora W indicates that more than half of Argentine households belong to the lower class, divided into a non-poor lower class (~30%) and a poor lower class (~21-22%). This combined segment exceeds the total of all middle and upper classes. In Buenos Aires, the cost of living continues to rise; IDECBA defines the ‘middle class’ threshold as an income of at least $2,603,556.34. New data from August 2026 shows that while monthly inflation slowed to 1.7%, the costs of the Total Basic Basket (CBT) and the Basic Food Basket (CBA) rose by 2.6%, outpacing general inflation. On an annual basis, the CBT rose by 38.3% and the CBA by 39.6%. For a typical family of four, the income required to avoid poverty reached $1,605,497, while $726,497 was needed to avoid indigence. Regional disparities are notable, with Analytica identifying Santa Cruz as having the highest monthly grocery costs, exceeding $1,000,000. Furthermore, IERAL reports that Argentina remains one of the most expensive countries for food and services, being the most expensive in 74% of surveyed cases compared to nine other nations. Medicine prices also remain a concern, with some frequently used drugs costing up to 6.7 times more than in India. ## Claims - In August, the Total Basic Basket (CBT) and the Basic Food Basket (CBA) both increased by 2.6% monthly, surpassing the 1.7% inflation rate. (disputed by 16 sources) - The Total Basic Basket (CBT) increased by 38.3% compared to August 2025. (disputed by 13 sources) - In the City of Buenos Aires, a typical family required a minimum income of $1,651,798 in August to avoid falling below the poverty line. (corroborated by 6 sources) - A typical family in the City of Buenos Aires required an income of at least $2,603,556 to be classified as middle class. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The general Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.7% in August. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Santa Cruz was identified as the province with the highest cost for a typical monthly grocery basket at the end of August. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Argentina was the most expensive country in 74% of the cases surveyed regarding food and services in August. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Frequently used medicines in Argentina are up to 6.7 times more expensive than in countries like India. (single source) - National footwear production in Argentina fell 23.3% year-on-year during the first half of 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Argentina cost of living: Basic baskets rise 2.6% in August Argentina's basic food and total baskets rose 2.6% in August, exceeding the 1.7% inflation rate. A family of four now needs over $1.6 million to avoid poverty, with Santa Cruz recording the highest regional de- 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buenos-aires-cost-of-living-poverty-and-middle-class-thresholds ### 2026-09-02: Argentina social structure shows over 50% of households in lower class A Consultora W report shows over 50% of Argentine households belong to the lower class, with 78% earning below the $2.8 million monthly average income. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sunass-study-water-access-could-reduce-poverty-in-peru ### 2026-08-19: Argentina child poverty: UCA report highlights clothing and emotional deprivation A UCA report shows that nearly 40% of Argentine children struggle to afford clothing, highlighting how economic poverty impacts social integration, learning, and emotional well-being. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-child-poverty-uca-report-highlights-clothing-and-emotional-deprivation --- Cite as: Socioeconomic inequality in Argentina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/socioeconomic-inequality-in-argentina