In January, the poverty line basket in Buenos Aires saw a substantial increase of 5.6%, driven primarily by sharp spikes in food prices, including vegetables, fruits, and meat. This rise in the cost of basic necessities outpaced the overall inflation rate for the city, which was recorded at 3.1% for the same month. Additionally, the basket representing the threshold for poverty also increased by 3.7%, highlighting the growing economic challenges faced by residents of the capital.

To maintain a middle-class status in January, an average family’s income needed to exceed approximately $70,000, with total monthly earnings required to reach $2,201,157, a notable increase from December’s $2,128,461. When factoring in the cost of rent, the financial threshold to remain in the middle class escalated to over $3,300,000 per month. These figures emphasize the rising economic pressures on families as they navigate the cost of living in a turbulent economic landscape.

For families to avoid poverty, their income levels must surpass $1,396,660, a 3.7% increase from December's figure. Those at risk of extreme poverty (indigence) must earn over $767,413, reflecting a 5.6% growth compared to the previous month. These statistics, drawn from the Institute of Statistics and Census, reveal a stark picture of increased vulnerability among sectors categorized as middle fragile and vulnerable, further underscoring the urgent need for economic relief and policy intervention in light of these rising living costs.