Eating in the city is 5.1% more expensive than in January 2025, while eating in rural areas is 3.8% more expensive. But which foods have seen the biggest price increases in 2026?
INEGI presented the new poverty line figures for January 2026, revealing that our wallets face a significant challenge.
Foods with the highest increases
Photo: Victoria Valtierra Ruvalcaba/Cuartoscuro.com
The product that registered the most significant increase is beef steak, with an annual increase of 17.0%. This is followed by pasteurized cow’s milk, which rose by 10.1%; currently, a liter costs approximately $26.61 in rural areas and $25.84 in cities.
On the other hand, the greatest impact on the cost of living was the 7.3% increase in the consumption of food and beverages outside the home (restaurants and eateries). This is in comparison with 2025.
In rural areas, cola and flavored soft drinks were the products that most influenced the monthly change in January.
In summary: to cover only their food needs, each person in the city needs $2,486.40 per month, while in rural areas, $1,863.17 is required.
Increase in transportation and basic services
Photo: Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro
The goods and services that make up the non-food basket (clothing, health, transportation, etc.) also rose in price: 3.9% in urban areas and 3.7% in rural areas.
Which services saw the highest increases?
- Rural areas: Public transportation rose 6.8% and personal care products rose 5.8%.
- Urban areas: Public transportation increased by 6.2%, while education, culture, and recreation services rose by 5.8%.
How much does it cost to live on per month?
Adding food and basic expenses, INEGI establishes that the minimum necessary income per person is as follows:
- Urban areas: $4,843.11 per month.
- Rural areas: $3,465.76 per month.
Knowing which foods have risen the most in price will serve as a guide to better plan our monthly expenses for 2026!