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Basic Basket Prices Rise in 14 Capitals of Brazil; Beef and Beans Pressure Food Costs While Coffee and Oil Become Cheaper.
The price of the basic basket has risen again in several regions of Brazil. In February 2026, the cost of this essential food group increased in 14 Brazilian capitals, according to the National Survey of the Basic Food Basket released by the National Supply Company (Conab) and the Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese).
The survey was presented on Monday (9) and indicates significant changes in the food costs for families.
According to the study, while some cities reported increases, others showed a decrease in the average value of the basic basket. Nonetheless, the rise observed in some capitals of Brazil was mainly driven by the increase in beef and beans, essential items in the Brazilian diet.
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Basic Basket Rises in Capitals of Brazil in February
The research shows that the value of the basic basket rose in 14 capitals between January and February 2026. The highest increases occurred in:
- Natal: 3.52%
- João Pessoa: 2.03%
- Recife: 1.98%
- Maceió: 1.87%
- Aracaju: 1.85%
- Vitória: 1.79%
- Rio de Janeiro: 1.15%
- Teresina: 1.07%
On the other hand, the survey also identified a decrease in the price of the basic basket in 13 cities. The most significant reductions occurred in Manaus (-2.94%), Cuiabá (-2.10%), and Brasília (-1.92%).
When analyzing the accumulated year, the scenario shows that 25 capitals in Brazil recorded an increase in food costs, while few cities saw a reduction.
Capitals with the Most Expensive Basic Baskets in Brazil
The study also identified significant differences in the cost of the basic basket among the regions of Brazil.
In February, the cities with the highest average costs were:
- São Paulo – R$ 852.87
- Rio de Janeiro – R$ 826.98
- Florianópolis – R$ 797.53
- Cuiabá – R$ 793.77
These capitals lead the national ranking for prices, reflecting logistical costs, high demand, and local economic dynamics.
Meanwhile, in the North and Northeast regions — where the composition of the basic basket differs — the lowest average values were observed in:
- Aracaju – R$ 562.88
- Porto Velho – R$ 601.69
- Maceió – R$ 603.92
- Recife – R$ 611.98
Even with lower values, experts warn that the impact on families’ food can be significant, especially for those who rely on the minimum wage.
Beef and Beans Drive Up Basic Basket Prices
Among the items that most influenced the price increase of the basic basket, beef played an important role.
The price of prime beef rose in 20 capitals of Brazil, with variations ranging from 0.14% in Brasília to 2.93% in Rio Branco. According to the researchers, the appreciation occurred due to the lower availability of animals ready for slaughter and the strong performance of exports, which kept the prices of animal protein high.
Another essential food in the Brazilian diet that saw a significant increase was beans.
The price of the grain rose in 26 capitals, with highlights including:
- Campo Grande: up 22.05%
- Belém: up 18.63%
In cities where black beans are studied, such as in the South and Rio de Janeiro, increases ranged from 1.38% to 13.83%. The only decrease recorded occurred in Boa Vista (-2.41%).
According to experts, the increase is related to restricted supply, harvesting difficulties, and a reduction in planted area compared to 2025.
Coffee, Rice, and Oil Help Reduce Food Costs
Despite the increase in some products, other important foods became cheaper in the capitals of Brazil.
The price of ground coffee dropped in 21 cities, with more significant reductions in Florianópolis (-4.30%) and Cuiabá (-3.86%). According to analysts, the decline is related to expectations of a record harvest and lower export volumes, increasing the supply in the domestic market.
Additionally, soybean oil recorded a drop in 26 capitals, with variations from -7.05% in Boa Vista to -0.27% in Brasília. This movement was influenced by an excess supply of the grain and the depreciation of the dollar against the real, which reduced the competitiveness of Brazilian soy in the international market.
Other foods also saw price declines, such as rice and milk.
Long-grain rice became cheaper in 16 cities, while whole milk showed a decrease in 15 capitals. Even with the beginning of the dairy production off-season, the import of dairy products helped lower retail prices.
Ideal Minimum Wage Should Be More Than Four Times Higher
Based on the value of the most expensive basic basket in the country, recorded in São Paulo, Dieese calculates monthly what the ideal minimum wage should be to cover basic expenses in Brazil.
According to the entity, considering expenses with food, housing, health, education, transportation, leisure, and social security, the necessary minimum wage in February should be R$ 7,164.94.
This amount corresponds to 4.42 times the current minimum wage, set at R$ 1,621.00.
This calculation reinforces the direct impact of the basic basket price on the budgets of Brazilian families and illustrates how fluctuations in food prices continue to be one of the main factors influencing the cost of living in the capitals of Brazil.
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