Canasta Básica Alimentaria — Guatemala Research Data
Research date: February 22, 2026
Sources: INE (ine.gob.gt), DIACO (diaco.gob.gt), Soy502, Canal Antigua, La Hora, AGN, Plaza Publica
Most Recent Data (January 2026)
CBA (Canasta Básica Alimentaria)
Canasta Ampliada (food + housing + transport + health + education + clothing)
USD Equivalents (Q7.67/USD)
Year-over-Year Change
- Jan 2026 vs Jan 2025 urban CBA: +Q19.71 (+2.2%)
- Jan 2026 vs Jan 2025 rural CBA: +Q14.23 (+2.0%)
CBA Composition
New Methodology (Jan 2024 — Present)
- Urban: 66 products across 14 food groups
- Rural: 60 products across 14 food groups
- Urban household: 4.16 members, 2,052 kcal/day
- Rural household: 4.80 members, 2,172 kcal/day
- Based on ENIGH 2022-2023 household survey
- CEPAL/IMF technical standards
Old Methodology (Oct 2017 — Dec 2023): 34 Products
1. Granos básicos: Tortillas de maíz, Arroz de segunda
2. Pan y cereales: Pan francés, Pan dulce, Pastas, Avena
3. Leguminosas: Frijol negro
4. Carnes/aves/pescados/huevos: Huevos, Carne de res sin hueso, Carne de cerdo sin hueso, Salchichas
5. Lácteos: Leche en polvo, Leche líquida, Queso fresco o duro
6. Verduras/hortalizas: Güisquil, Ejote, Tomate, Cebolla, Hierbas
7. Raíces/tubérculos: Papas
8. Frutas: Bananos, Plátanos, Aguacates, Sandía, Piña
9. Azúcares/grasas/aceites: Azúcar blanca, Margarina, Aceite corriente
10. Misceláneos: Café tostado, Sal, Incaparina, Sopas instantáneas, Bebida gaseosa
Historical Trend
Old Methodology (Per Family ~4.77 members)
Increase 2020-2023: +Q915.60 (+30.6% in 3 years)
New Methodology (Per Capita)
Urban CBA increase Jan 2024 to Jan 2026: +9.2%
CBA vs Minimum Wage (2026)
A single minimum-wage earner can barely cover the CBA (food only). They need 2.3x minimum wage to cover the full Canasta Ampliada.
DIACO Suggested Retail Prices (Metropolitan Area)
Key Takeaways
- The CBA measures ONLY minimum food spending for basic nutrition — not total cost of living
- Methodology changed significantly in 2024 (pre/post not comparable)
- Urban food costs ~30% higher than rural
- Food inflation moderate at ~2.2% annually in 2025
- Minimum wage barely covers food — need 2.3x for full Canasta Ampliada
- For expat comparison: CBA ~$120 USD/month per person is the absolute minimum; expats typically spend 2-3x that
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