Mexico: The middle classes suffered inflation the most in 2025

The respite that inflation gave in 2025 was felt less in the pockets of people with incomes of between three and six minimum wages (from 834 to 1,660 pesos per day), since in this segment the variation was greater than the national average, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).

The national consumer price index (CPI) registered an increase of 3.69 percent annually in 2025, a positive surprise, amid the ups and downs of the year.

However, this relief was not uniform among all income groups (classified by Inegi by individual consumption): the INPC was highest for the middle class segment, which experienced an annual increase of 3.87 percent.

Middle class households (who earn between three and six minimum wages) suffered a greater proportion of the increase in consumer prices in 2025 than other groups, due to the upward impact on the price of restaurants and accommodation services, 7.35 percent annually; educational services, 5.86 percent; personal care, 5.84 percent annually, and health, 5.11 percent, mainly.

According to Inegi data, inflation in households that earn above six minimum wages was 3.67 percent annually last year, practically the same national rate.

The increase in prices in restaurants and accommodation services was 7.15 percent; educational services, 5.65 percent and personal care, social protection, 5.65 percent.

For its part, the most vulnerable group of the population (which receives up to a minimum wage, 278 pesos) stood out above the others due to the lower impact of the price increase, with an inflation of 2.95 percent, well below the national rate.

However, in this segment the greatest increase was recorded in restaurants and accommodation services, with an annual increase of 7.78 percent; personal care and health, 6.22 percent; educational services, 5.71 percent.

The inflation of food and non-alcoholic beverages for this segment of the population was 1.24 percent, while for those who earn more than six minimum salaries it was 3.99 percent and for those who earn between three and six salaries, 3.55 percent.

Low-income households spend up to 51 percent of their spending on food and beverages, while high-income households spend about 29 percent of their income on this category.

The underlying component, determining the medium-term trend when excluding volatile elements, reveals a mixed picture. The non-core component, with volatile prices, continued to help reduce headline inflation below its historical averages and has mitigated external inflationary pressures.