According to a recent study, Colombia had the lowest monthly cost of living in Latin America with 546 U.S. dollars needed for basic living. In contrast, four countries had a cost of living above one thousand dollars, Costa Rica, Chile, Panama and Uruguay. In 2022, the highest minimum wage in the region was recorded by Ecuador with 425 dollars per month.

Can Latin Americans survive on a minimum wage? Even if most countries in Latin America have instated laws to guarantee citizens a basic income, these minimum standards are often not enough to meet household needs. For instance, it was estimated that almost 22 million people in Mexico lacked basic housing services. Salary levels also vary greatly among Latin American economies. In 2022, the average net monthly salary in Brazil was lower than Ecuador's minimum wage.

What can a minimum wage afford in Latin America? Latin American real wages have generally risen in the past decade. However, consumers in this region still struggle to afford non-basic goods, such as tech products. Recent estimates reveal that, in order to buy an iPhone, Brazilian residents would have to work more than two months to be able to pay for it. A gaming console, on the other hand, could easily cost a Latin American worker several minimum wages.

The average for 2021 based on 11 countries was 67.5 index points. The highest value was in Uruguay: 100.24 index points and the lowest value was in Suriname: 43.15 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The ******** capital ranked as the most affordable city for backpacking in Latin America as of early 2025. On average, travelers in ****** could manage to spend less than ** U.S. dollars per day in accommodation, food, and entertainment. The capital of ******* ranked second in the list of cheapest destinations for backpackers in Latin America at that time.

Guyana was the South American country 20360the highest gross national income per capita, with 20,360 U.S. dollars per person in 2023. Uruguay ranked second, registering a GNI of 19,530 U.S. dollars per person, based on current prices. Gross national income (GNI) is the aggregated sum of the value added by residents in an economy, plus net taxes (minus subsidies) and net receipts of primary income from abroad. Which are the largest Latin American economies? Based on annual gross domestic product, which is the total amount of goods and services produced in a country per year, Brazil leads the regional ranking, followed by Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Many Caribbean countries and territories hold the highest GDP per capita in this region, measurement that reflects how GDP would be divided if it was perfectly equally distributed among the population. GNI per capita is, however, a more exact calculation of wealth than GDP per capita, as it takes into consideration taxes paid and income receipts from abroad. How much inequality is there in Latin America? In many Latin American countries, more than half the total wealth created in their economies is held by the richest 20 percent of the population. When a small share of the population concentrates most of the wealth, millions of people don't have enough to make ends meet. For instance, in Brazil, about 5.32 percent of the population lives on less than 3.2 U.S. dollars per day.

Costa Rica is the country with the highest minimum monthly wage in Latin America. According to the minimum salary established by law as of January 2025, workers in the Central American country enjoy a basic monthly wage of over 726 U.S. dollars, an increase of 2.37 percent compared to the previous year. They also earn over 200 U.S. dollars more than the second place, Uruguay. On the other side of the spectrum is Venezuela, where employees are only guaranteed by law a minimum salary of 130 bolívares or little more than 2.50 dollars per month. Can Latin Americans survive on a minimum wage? Even if most countries in Latin America have instated laws to guarantee citizens a basic income, these minimum standards are often not enough to meet household needs. For instance, it was estimated that almost 25 million people in Mexico lacked basic housing services. Salary levels also vary greatly among Latin American economies. In 2020, the average net monthly salary in Mexico was barely higher than Chile's minimum wage in 2021. What can a minimum wage afford in Latin America? Latin American real wages have generally risen in the past decade. However, consumers in this region still struggle to afford non-basic goods, such as tech products. Recent estimates reveal that, in order to buy an iPhone, Brazilian residents would have to work at least two months to be able to pay for it. A gaming console, on the other hand, could easily cost a Latin American worker several minimum wages.

The South American Polycarbonate (PC) market, currently experiencing robust growth, presents significant opportunities for investors and businesses. While precise market sizing for 2025 is unavailable, extrapolating from general industry trends and assuming a moderate CAGR (let's assume 6%, a reasonable estimate for a developing region with growing industrialization), a market size of approximately $500 million USD in 2025 for the South American region seems plausible. Key drivers include the expanding automotive and construction sectors in countries like Brazil and Argentina, increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials in diverse applications (electronics, packaging), and government initiatives promoting infrastructure development. Trends point towards a shift towards high-performance PC grades with enhanced properties like UV resistance and flame retardancy. However, challenges exist, including economic volatility in certain South American nations, fluctuations in raw material prices (primarily Bisphenol A), and the need for efficient recycling and waste management infrastructure to align with global sustainability goals. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, fueled by further industrialization and urbanization across the region. The aerospace sector, while currently smaller, demonstrates potential for future expansion, driven by increasing regional air travel and related infrastructure investments. Segmentation by end-user industry (aerospace, automotive, building & construction, electrical & electronics, industrial machinery, packaging) will likely reflect the varying growth rates across these sectors. Competition amongst established players like Covestro AG, LG Chem, and SABIC, will be intense, emphasizing the importance of product innovation, cost-effectiveness, and strong regional partnerships to capture market share. Understanding regional nuances and adapting strategies to address specific market conditions within each country (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, etc.) will be crucial for sustained success. Recent developments include: February 2023: Covestro AG introduced Makrolon 3638 polycarbonate for healthcare and life sciences applications such as drug delivery devices, wellness and wearable devices, and single-use containers for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.February 2021: SABIC launched a new grade of polycarbonate compound for automotive LED lighting, owing to the rising need for high-performance thermoplastics in complex lighting designs.November 2020: SABIC added new grades to its portfolio of post-consumer recycled ABS and polycarbonate resins to serve more consumer electronics customers. These grades are mainly used in chargers and adapters, printers, copiers, and laptop housing.. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

The average for 2021 based on 165 countries was 105.854 index points. The highest value was in South Korea: 208.84 index points and the lowest value was in India: 58.17 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The Latin American dairy packaging market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.02% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Rising disposable incomes across several Latin American countries are fueling increased consumption of dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk. A parallel trend toward convenience and longer shelf life is boosting demand for sophisticated packaging solutions, particularly in urban areas. Furthermore, the region is witnessing a growth in organized retail, which favors packaged dairy products over loose or unpackaged alternatives. The increasing adoption of sustainable packaging materials, such as those made from recycled paper or plant-based plastics, is also creating new market opportunities. However, economic volatility in certain Latin American nations and fluctuating raw material prices pose potential challenges to sustained market growth. Competition among packaging manufacturers is intense, leading to price pressures and the need for continuous innovation in packaging design and functionality. Segment-wise, plastic packaging currently dominates due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility, but the growing environmental awareness is driving a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives like paper-based cartons. Key players like Amcor PLC, Tetra Laval Group, and Berry Global Inc. are strategically investing in research and development to cater to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The market segmentation reveals strong demand across various product categories, with milk, cheese, and yogurt being major drivers. Packaging types vary considerably depending on the product and consumer preference. Bottles, cartons, and pouches hold significant market share and are expected to see increased adoption in the coming years. The regional distribution within Latin America is uneven, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina accounting for a significant portion of the market due to their larger populations and higher per capita dairy consumption. The forecast for the market suggests continued growth, driven by both increasing consumption and the potential for market penetration in less developed areas. Successful companies will need to leverage both innovative packaging technology and robust supply chains to stay competitive. This report provides a detailed analysis of the Latin America dairy packaging market, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. We delve into market dynamics, trends, and growth projections, covering key segments like plastic packaging, paper packaging, and various dairy product packaging. Our analysis helps businesses understand the market landscape and make informed decisions related to investments, product development, and strategic partnerships. The report is meticulously crafted to deliver maximum value to investors, manufacturers, distributors, and other industry players. Recent developments include: September 2022: The DairySeal line of packaging from Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) includes ClearCor, an advanced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) barrier. With the launch of DairySeal, the rapidly growing ready-to-drink (RTD), nutritional, and alternative dairy markets will have access to more environment-friendly packaging choices used in all retail channels., May 2022: SIG, a Swiss aseptic packaging provider, and Frimesa, a Brazilian-based meat, and dairy distributor announced a partnership in introducing the first combi-style carton packaging in the Americas. The company displayed the packaging at the APAS Show 2022 food and beverage trade show in Sao Paulo. The combi-style carton pack from SIG has a corner panel for on-shelf distinctiveness, consumer appeal, and other purposes.. Key drivers for this market are: Consumers' Rising Health Consciousness is Driving Demand For Dairy Nutrition, Growing Dairy Product Distribution Channels Supported by an Increase in the Number of Supermarkets and Hypermarkets in the Region, Drives the Market. Potential restraints include: Regular Feed Shortage Owing to the Transporters' Protest Due to Higher Fuel Prices, Concerns About Recycling and the Environment. Notable trends are: Milk Segment is Expected to Account for Significant Market Share.

West Virginia and Kansas had the lowest cost of living across all U.S. states, with composite costs being half of those found in Hawaii. This was according to a composite index that compares prices for various goods and services on a state-by-state basis. In West Virginia, the cost of living index amounted to **** — well below the national benchmark of 100. Virginia— which had an index value of ***** — was only slightly above that benchmark. Expensive places to live included Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California. Housing costs in the U.S. Housing is usually the highest expense in a household’s budget. In 2023, the average house sold for approximately ******* U.S. dollars, but house prices in the Northeast and West regions were significantly higher. Conversely, the South had some of the least expensive housing. In West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana, the median price of the typical single-family home was less than ******* U.S. dollars. That makes living expenses in these states significantly lower than in states such as Hawaii and California, where housing is much pricier. What other expenses affect the cost of living? Utility costs such as electricity, natural gas, water, and internet also influence the cost of living. In Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut, the average monthly utility cost exceeded *** U.S. dollars. That was because of the significantly higher prices for electricity and natural gas in these states.

At **** U.S. dollars, Switzerland has the most expensive Big Macs in the world, according to the January 2025 Big Mac index. Concurrently, the cost of a Big Mac was **** dollars in the U.S., and **** U.S. dollars in the Euro area. What is the Big Mac index? The Big Mac index, published by The Economist, is a novel way of measuring whether the market exchange rates for different countries’ currencies are overvalued or undervalued. It does this by measuring each currency against a common standard – the Big Mac hamburger sold by McDonald’s restaurants all over the world. Twice a year the Economist converts the average national price of a Big Mac into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at that point in time. As a Big Mac is a completely standardized product across the world, the argument goes that it should have the same relative cost in every country. Differences in the cost of a Big Mac expressed as U.S. dollars therefore reflect differences in the purchasing power of each currency. Is the Big Mac index a good measure of purchasing power parity? Purchasing power parity (PPP) is the idea that items should cost the same in different countries, based on the exchange rate at that time. This relationship does not hold in practice. Factors like tax rates, wage regulations, whether components need to be imported, and the level of market competition all contribute to price variations between countries. The Big Mac index does measure this basic point – that one U.S. dollar can buy more in some countries than others. There are more accurate ways to measure differences in PPP though, which convert a larger range of products into their dollar price. Adjusting for PPP can have a massive effect on how we understand a country’s economy. The country with the largest GDP adjusted for PPP is China, but when looking at the unadjusted GDP of different countries, the U.S. has the largest economy.

The average price of hotel rooms in Buenos Aires, Argentina reached the highest peak of 2023 in November, at over 150 U.S. dollars. In the first two months of the following year, the hotel prices in the South American country stood at around 134 and 109 dollars, respectively.