A tenth more than in September
Consumer prices in the City of Buenos Aires climbed 1.9% in October, according to the Institute of Statistics and Censuses of the City (IDECBA). The monthly figure came in a tenth of a percentage point above September, when the index had risen 1.8%, and the report describes the movement as a slight reacceleration.[S1][S2][S3]
Measured over the first ten months of 2026, the Buenos Aires City Consumer Price Index accumulated a rise of 26.1%. Against October of last year, the increase reached 32.5%, which is 0.4 percentage points below the 32.9% interannual rate reported the previous month.[S1][S2][S4]
The national October inflation figure is scheduled to be released next Thursday, November 12, by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC). The Central Bank's latest Market Expectations Survey projected 1.8% for the national index and 1.7% for core inflation, while private analysts and consultancies cited in the coverage placed the number around 2%.[S1][S2]
Comparing the two records calls for caution. The Buenos Aires City basket gives greater weight to services such as rent, building expenses, education and private health, whereas food carries a relatively larger share in the national index, so the two indicators can diverge.[S1][S5]
Four divisions explain 63% of the increase
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; food and non-alcoholic beverages; health; and restaurants and hotels together accounted for 63% of the rise in the general level. Housing made the largest contribution at 0.45 percentage points, followed by food at 0.38 points.[S1][S3][S4]
By percentage change, recreation and culture and personal care, social protection and other products led with 2.8% each. Their weight in the basket is smaller, however, so the increases in housing, food and health had a more decisive effect on the overall index.[S1][S4][S5]
The housing division advanced 2.2% and recorded a 37.8% interannual variation. The statistics office attributed the movement mainly to higher building expenses and rents, plus adjustments to piped gas and water tariffs. Within the division, gas rose 5.4%, building expenses 2.8%, water supply 2.2%, electricity 1.4% and housing rent 1.3%.[S1][S3][S5]
Over twelve months, electricity accumulated a 53.9% increase and gas 49.1%, both well above the general 32.5% rate, while common housing expenses rose 42.2% in the same period.[S5]
Vegetables jump 12.9% and push food prices
Food and non-alcoholic beverages also rose 2.2%. The main pressure came from vegetables, tubers and legumes, which climbed 12.9% in October, accumulated 89.1% so far this year and reached 68.8% year-on-year. Bread and cereals added 1.8% and meat and derivatives 0.8%, while a 3.2% drop in fruit partly offset the division's result.[S1][S3][S4]
Dairy products and eggs rose 0.9%, and oils, lard and other fats 0.1%. The food division accumulated a 31.7% interannual increase, according to the report processed by the Noticias Argentinas agency.[S1][S3][S5]
The official survey also listed average prices for selected products in the City. A kilo of asado stood at 18,448.06 pesos, minced meat at 15,277.67 and a whole chicken at 5,039.78. A kilo of French-style baguette bread averaged 4,863.03 pesos, whole milk cost 2,056.76 per litre and a dozen eggs reached 4,209.78.[S1]
Among fruit and vegetables, a kilo of round tomato was priced at 4,127.65 pesos, white potato at 3,527.43 and banana at 3,204.55.[S1]
Health, restaurants and the rest of the basket
Health rose 2.2% and contributed 0.21 percentage points to the monthly index, mainly because of updates to private health insurance premiums. Medical insurance climbed 2.1%, medicines 1.7% and outpatient services 3.4%. Restaurants and hotels increased 1.6%, with a 0.17-point contribution, as prepared food and drink consumed outside the home rose 1.4% and accommodation services 2.6%.[S1][S3][S4]
Information and communication rose 1.7%, household equipment and maintenance 1.6% and alcoholic beverages and tobacco 1.5%. Transport and education each advanced 1.3%, while clothing and footwear posted the smallest monthly variation at 1%.[S1]
Goods and services both increased 1.9% in October. Among goods, food, especially vegetables, vehicle fuels and lubricants and personal care items weighed most; among services, building expenses, restaurant and food-house prices, private health premiums, rents and residential gas drove the result, moderated by a fall in air fares.[S1][S3]
Over the first ten months of the year, goods accumulated a 21.2% rise and services 28.9%; in interannual terms the variations were 27.1% and 35.7% respectively. The Resto IPCBA sub-index, used as a proxy for core inflation, rose 1.8% in October, the same as regulated prices, while seasonal products led with 3.3% on the back of vegetables, tourist accommodation and clothing, limited by cheaper air tickets.[S1][S3]
