The cost of the basic family food basket in Ecuador rose to USD 829.38 at the end of March 2026, continuing a steady upward trend seen in recent months.
The basket, which includes 75 products, increased by about USD 5 compared to February, when it stood at USD 824.17. In January, the same basket cost USD 821.80.
Despite the rise, the total remains below the estimated average monthly family income of USD 899.73.
A separate measure, the basic basket covering essential household needs such as food, housing, and clothing across 73 items, reached USD 579.20.
Costs vary notably by city. In March, the highest monthly costs for the basic food basket were recorded in:
- Cuenca — USD 876
- Quito — USD 860
- Manta — USD 856
- Guayaquil — USD 839
These differences highlight how the cost of living can shift significantly depending on location.
At the national level, inflation showed a slight slowdown. The Consumer Price Index recorded a monthly increase of 0.12% in March, down from 0.21% in February.