We use a dataset with prices and spending on consumer packaged goods matched at the barcode-level across the US and Mexico to measure the price index in Mexico relative to the US. Mexican prices relative to the US are 23% lower compared to the International Comparisons Project's (ICP) price index. We decompose the 23% gap into the biases from imputation, sampling, quality, and variety. Quality bias increases Mexican prices by 48%. Imputation, sampling, and variety bias lowers Mexican prices by 11%, 13%, and 33%, respectively.

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.

Consumer Price Index CPI in Mexico increased to 140.87 points in August from 140.78 points in July of 2025. This dataset provides - Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI) - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Of the cities who have experienced cost of living increases, the top three are located in Latin America, *** in Mexico and *** in Costa Rica. Each moved **, **, and ** spots in the ranking respectively since 2022. Due to increases in interest rates, the Mexican peso and Costa Rican colón have both appreciated against the U.S. Dollar. Comparatively, Singapore and Zurich were ranked the most expensive cities in the world.

Inflation Rate in Mexico increased to 3.57 percent in August from 3.51 percent in July of 2025. This dataset provides - Mexico Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data was reported at 0.107 % in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.107 % for 2016. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data is updated yearly, averaging 0.107 % from Dec 2010 (Median) to 2017, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.107 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.098 % in 2012. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics and Geography. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mexico – Table MX.I008: Consumer Price Index: Weights: Second Half December 2010=100.

In Mexico and Switzerland, the bottom deciles of the economies spend differently. In Mexico, the bottom decile has a higher share of spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages; alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics; and clothing and footwear. In Switzerland, the bottom decile has a higher share of spending in most other categories, especially within the category of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels. Although the bottom decile in Switzerland constitutes a greater share of spending in most areas, Mexico experienced a higher cost of living increase.

Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Room data was reported at 119.951 Jun2002=100 in Dec 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 119.021 Jun2002=100 for Nov 2010. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Room data is updated monthly, averaging 42.489 Jun2002=100 from Jan 1980 (Median) to Dec 2010, with 372 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 119.951 Jun2002=100 in Dec 2010 and a record low of 0.208 Jun2002=100 in Jan 1980. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Room data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Mexico. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mexico – Table MX.I005: Consumer Price Index: 2002=100.

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, leads Latin American cities with the highest apartment sale prices in 2024, averaging ***** U.S. dollars per square meter. This figure surpasses other major metropolitan areas like Mexico City and Buenos Aires, highlighting significant disparities in real estate markets across the region. The data underscores the varying economic conditions and housing demand in different Latin American urban centers. Regional housing market trends While Montevideo tops the list for apartment prices, other countries in Latin America have experienced notable changes in their housing markets. Chile, for instance, saw the most substantial increase in house prices since 2010, with its nominal house price index surpassing *** points in early 2024. However, when adjusted for inflation, Mexico showed the highest inflation-adjusted percentage increase in house prices, growing by nearly five percent in the first quarter of 2024, contrasting with a global decline of one percent. Home financing in Mexico The methods of home financing vary across Latin America. A breakdown of homeownership by financing method in Mexico reveals that about two-thirds of owner-occupied housing units were financed through personal resources in 2022. Nevertheless, government-backed loans such as Infonavit (Mexico’s National Housing Fund Institute), Fovissste (Housing Fund of the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers), and Fonhapo (National Fund for Popular Housing), play an important role for homebuyers, with just over ** percent of home purchases relying on such finance. Bank credit, which offers mortgage loans with interest rates ranging between **** and ** percent, appeared as a less popular option.

Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FDA: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data was reported at 117.363 16Dec2010-31Dec2010=100 in Jul 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 116.235 16Dec2010-31Dec2010=100 for Jun 2018. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FDA: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data is updated monthly, averaging 70.441 16Dec2010-31Dec2010=100 from Jan 1980 (Median) to Jul 2018, with 463 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 117.590 16Dec2010-31Dec2010=100 in Mar 2018 and a record low of 0.174 16Dec2010-31Dec2010=100 in Jan 1980. Mexico Consumer Price Index (CPI): FDA: FHA: Furniture: Wood Furniture: Living Rooms data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics and Geography. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mexico – Table MX.I004: Consumer Price Index: Second Half December 2010=100.

The statistic depicts the average inflation rate in Mexico from 1987 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. The inflation rate measures price changes for a fixed basket of goods which includes a representative selection of goods and services. In 2024, Mexico's average inflation rate was around 4.72 percent compared to the previous year. Mexico’s economy Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been increasing slightly over the last decade, however, its national debt still amounts to almost half of its GDP. The majority of Mexico’s GDP is yielded by the services sector, as a look at the distribution of gross domestic product in Mexico by sector shows. More than 60 percent of GDP are generated in this sector; the majority of the Mexican workforce is employed in services. One important contributor to Mexico’s GDP is tourism. The total unemployment rate in Mexico took a turn for the worse during the recession of 2008 and is still to bounce back to previous levels. Mexico’s main export and import partner is the United States which accounts for approximately half of the value of both. Thus, the trade balance of goods in Mexico, showing the value of exports minus the value of imports, is heavily dependant on the United States. For the past decade, Mexico’s trade balance has run at a deficit of more than 10 billion US dollars. The trade balance of services sector in Mexico has also been in the red with a deficit of more than 6 percent since the recession and higher than 9 percent since 2011. Mexico is also one of the largest drug exporting countries worldwide. Specific trade figures are not available, however, Mexico is among the top countries for opium cultivation based on acreage, and thousands of illegal poppy fields, processed into opium, have been destroyed in Mexico year after year.

The North American residential construction market, valued at $850 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. A steadily increasing population, particularly in urban centers, fuels the demand for new housing units, both single-family homes and multi-family dwellings. Furthermore, favorable government policies aimed at stimulating housing development and improving infrastructure contribute to this positive market outlook. The renovation segment also presents a significant opportunity, as older homes require upgrades and modernizations, catering to a rising preference for energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. While rising material costs and labor shortages pose challenges, the market's resilience stems from consistent demand and the innovative solutions adopted by major players like Lennar, D.R. Horton, and PulteGroup. These companies are strategically investing in technological advancements and streamlined construction processes to mitigate these challenges and maintain profitability. The market is segmented by property type (single-family and multi-family) and construction type (new construction and renovation), allowing for targeted investment and development strategies. The continued expansion of suburban areas and the increasing preference for larger living spaces further contribute to the market's expansion. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033 indicates sustained growth. This growth, however, is expected to fluctuate year-over-year depending on macroeconomic conditions such as interest rates and overall economic performance. Factors like fluctuating material prices, potential changes in building codes, and shifts in consumer preferences will influence the market’s trajectory. Nevertheless, the long-term forecast remains optimistic, supported by the continued need for affordable and sustainable housing solutions across North America, particularly in high-growth regions within the United States and Canada. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large national builders and regional players, leading to constant innovation and competition in pricing and design. This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the North America residential construction market, offering invaluable insights for investors, builders, and industry stakeholders. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on 2025, this report meticulously examines market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities within the single-family, multi-family, new construction, and renovation sectors. Utilizing data from the historical period (2019-2024), the base year (2025), and an estimated forecast period (2025-2033), this report paints a clear picture of the market's trajectory. Recent developments include: December 2022: In southeast Columbus, D.R. Horton intends to build homes for USD 215 million., December 2022: According to the company's fourth-quarter results call, Lennar Corp. has decided not to proceed with its plans to spin off its multifamily subsidiary, Quarterra, by the end of the year owing to adverse market circumstances., December 2022: At the southeast corner of Idlewild Street and Plantation Road in south Fort Myers, a 17-acre site is being cleared. According to Lee County documents, the area will be transformed into the 52-home neighborhood of Addison Square. The land was purchased by Pulte Homes for USD 2.4 million in a deal facilitated by Chuck Mayhugh of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors. The homes will vary in price from more than USD 500,000 and have 1,600 to 3,400 square feet of living space, with the majority of the homesites being grouped together along a sizable, central lake. According to Pulte executives, construction on the model houses should start by the spring, with some of them being done by the summer.. Key drivers for this market are: Population Growth and Disposable Income, Demand from Office Sector Returning Post COVID-; Non-residential Construction on Upward Trend. Potential restraints include: Interests and Financing, Increase in Cost of Raw Materials. Notable trends are: 800,000 Housing Units Must Be Built Annually in Mexico to Keep Up with Demand.

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.

In 2024, the number of diagnosed HIV cases in Mexico amounted to approximately 19,000. That year, the State of Mexico, Veracruz, and Mexico City were the federative entities with the highest number of people diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with more than 1,000 patients each. Moreover, most registered HIV cases in the Latin American country between 1984 and 2023 corresponded to men. People living with HIV in Latin America In the last few years, the number of people living with HIV in Latin America has been increasing. According to recent estimates, the number of individuals living with this condition rose from around 1.6 million in 2013 to almost 2.2 million by 2022. From a country perspective, Brazil and Mexico were the Latin American nations where most people were living with the disease, reaching approximately 990,000 and 370,000 patients, respectively. ART is more costly in Latin America HIV is commonly treated through antiretroviral therapy (ART), a drug-based treatment aimed at reducing the viral load in the blood to help control the development of the disease while improving the health of those infected. Although the share of deaths among people living with HIV due to causes unrelated to AIDS increased globally since 2010, there are still inequalities in the access to ART therapy. As of 2022, Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the highest average price per person for HIV antiretroviral therapy compared to other regions worldwide.