Uruguay is the most expensive country, at $646; Mexico is third at $547; and Paraguay is the cheapest, with the average family included in the study needing $342 to cover their food costs.

An analysis on consumption and the cost of living in 10 countries in the region, conducted by the private firm Ecosur, released over the weekend, used as a reference the Argentine basic food basket that the National Institute of Statistics and Census evaluates for Greater Buenos Aires (GBA), also known as the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, as of April 21.

Ecosur determined that shopping for food and beverages in supermarkets in Argentina costs a typical family of four (two adults and two children) around 662,830 pesos (US$557) per month to cover their basic food basket, a higher amount than that reported in countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru, or Brazil.

The research focused only on the basic food basket, not on other expenses such as rent, electricity, gas, water, transportation, healthcare and medicine, clothing, fuel, and other family outlays.

Among the factors linked by Ecosur to the high costs in Argentina, it points to the instability of the official exchange rate over the last year, combined with high inflation, a high tax burden, and restrictions on foreign trade.

Regarding the specific products that weigh most heavily on family spending, the study places beef at the top of the list, with a family spending US$138 per month, or 164,220 pesos. Next in line are bread ($72), chicken ($56), milk, and beverages such as soda and wine ($40 each). Vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes, also represent a considerable expense, reaching approximately $93 per month.

An additional figure indicates that for an average family not to be considered poor, they must earn 1,024,435 pesos ($860.66) per month.

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