# Venezuela economic cost of living and consumer trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-economic-cost-of-living-and-consumer-trends > Updated: 2026-09-22T22:41:51.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. Economic reports from Venezuela indicate a high cost of living driven by rising food prices and limited purchasing power. In August 2026, the monthly food basket for a family of five reached $755.36, a 3.77% increase in dollar terms from the previous month. The Center for Documentation and Social Analysis of the Venezuelan Teachers' Federation (Cendas-FVM) noted that the national minimum wage, frozen since March 2022, covers only 0.02% of this required monthly cost. As a result of these economic pressures, consumer behavior has shifted significantly. According to Ítalo Atencio, president of the National Association of Supermarkets and Self-Service (ANSA), Venezuelans now allocate at least 60% of their income to food. Shoppers have moved toward more frequent, smaller grocery trips, occurring between two and four times per week. Research by Datanálisis suggests a psychological impact on spending, noting that 63% of Venezuelans experience guilt when purchasing non-essential products for themselves. Economist Luis Vicente León stated that non-mandatory spending accounts for less than 5% of the average family budget, leaving very little margin for personal or discretionary expenses. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Venezuelan consumers prioritize food with 60% of income Venezuelans allocate at least 60% of income to food, while 63% report feeling guilt when making non-essential personal purchases due to tight economic margins. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-consumers-prioritize-food-with-60-of-income ### 2026-09-21: Venezuela food basket cost reaches $755 for family of five In August 2026, the food basket for a family of five in Venezuela rose to $755.36, while the minimum wage remains frozen at 130 bolívares, covering only 0.02% of the cost. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-food-basket-costs-reach-755-per-month --- Cite as: Venezuela economic cost of living and consumer trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-economic-cost-of-living-and-consumer-trends