Basic basket increases by 428 córdobas in January, surpassing 21,000 córdobas
Dry cheese, tortillas, and chicken led the increase in the basic basket, exceeding 21,249 córdobas in January 2026, according to official INIDE figures.
TL;DR
- The basic consumer basket in Nicaragua cost 21,249.74 córdobas in January 2026.
- This represents an increase of 428.06 córdobas compared to December 2025.
- Food items, particularly dry cheese, tortillas, chicken, and fish, led the price increases.
- Dry cheese prices rose by 5.72 córdobas per pound, and chicken by 2.43 córdobas per pound.
- Home goods and clothing saw only minor price increases.
- The average minimum wage of 8,930 córdobas is insufficient to cover the essential needs of most Nicaraguan families.
- These price hikes occur while the government is discussing adjustments to the minimum wage for 2026.