Here’s an overview of the average monthly salary and the cost of a consumer basket for a regular Venezuelan in early 2026:
Average Monthly Salary in Venezuela (2026)
Minimum wage: Around $5–10 per month (in bolívars, plus food and transport bonuses that often exceed the base salary).
Average salary: Approximately $175 per month for most workers, though this can vary widely. Many professionals, especially those in multinational firms, oil services, or remote roles, earn significantly more. Informal employment is widespread, and many people rely on US dollars for transactions.
The official minimum wage is extremely low, and most Venezuelans supplement their income through informal work, remittances, or foreign currency earnings.
Monthly Consumer Basket Cost (2026)
Basic living costs (excluding rent): About $610 for a single person, covering food, transportation, utilities, and other essentials .
Food basket: Food expenses typically consume over 40% of an average salary, with many Venezuelans spending most of their income on groceries. The cost of a basic food basket can range from $100 to $200 per month, depending on location and dietary needs .
Rent: A studio apartment can cost as low as $80–$100 per month in less expensive areas, while a two-bedroom apartment in a nicer neighborhood may run $300–$500 per month .
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary | ~$175 |
| Minimum wage | $5–10 (+ bonuses) |
| Basic consumer basket | ~$610 (excl. rent) |
| Basic food basket | $100–200 |
| Rent (studio apartment) | $80–100 |
| Rent (2-bedroom, nice area) | $300–500 |
Key Insight: The gap between average salaries and the cost of living is significant. Most Venezuelans rely on additional income sources, such as remittances or informal work, to cover basic expenses.