MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Buenos Aires City households need 1.300 dollars per month; 25% don't make that sum

The estimates were elaborated by the Buenos Aires City's stats office

A family living in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires needs 10.454 Pesos to make it to the end of the month, according to the city's stats and census office. The average household refers to a couple with two children, that pays rent and does not include transport, private education or health care.

 The sum is equivalent to 1.300 dollars at the official rate and 900 at the parallel market, and in Pesos represents an increase of 36.8% over April 2013. Food was the item which most increased, 43.7% in the last twelve months. If the couple owned their home the monthly cost would go down to 8-484 Pesos, approx 1.060 and 900 dollars according to the two exchange rates

The stats' office information also indicates that 24% of Buenos Aires City households don't make that money.

Buenos Aires City in 2008, following the 2007 displacement by the Nestor Kirchner administration of professionals by political cronies at the Argentine national stats office, Indec, elaborated its own “basic consumer basket” system taking as reference criteria normally used to define poverty and likewise the nutritional contribution of each item, at the lowest cost possible.

Based on these parameters the City worked out several household options.

Household 1, a couple, 35 of age and both active with two children aged 6 and 9, and owners of their dwelling, the basic basket in April was 8.484 Pesos.

Household 2, a couple of pensioners, both inactive and owners of their house, 4.241 Pesos.

Household 3, single man, 25, active and owner of the dwelling, 2.803 Pesos.

Household 4; a couple both aged 25, active, no children and owners of their home, 4.777 Pesos.

Household 5, a couple both over 25, no children and paying rent, 6.405 Pesos.

Finally Household 6: a couple, over 35, active with two children 6 and 9, and having to pay rent, 10.454 Pesos.