If you have been dreaming of living in a gorgeous tropical paradise in a warm climate bordering the mighty Atlantic Ocean – without breaking the bank, making a move to one of the cheapest cities in Brazil could be the right choice for you!
Nestled in South America, Brazil boasts a culturally diverse landscape and vibrant culture among its most affordable living options.
Brazil’s favorable exchange rates and relatively low cost of living are making it a tourist delight for some, a haven for digital nomads, and home to low-cost living seekers.
Read on to learn about some of the cheapest places to live in Brazil, ranked by annual costs of living for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
Contents
- The Cost of Living in Brazil
- 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Brazil
- Brazil Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are the Benefits of Living in Some of the Cheapest Cities in Brazil?
- What Are Some of the Downsides of Living in Brazil's Least Expensive Cities?
- How to Convert USD to Brazilian Real?
- What is the Local Currency of Brazil?
- What Are the Health Care Options Like in the Cheapest Cities in Brazil, and Are They Affordable for Expats or Travelers?
The Cost of Living in Brazil
Numbeo reports that a family of four can expect to spend just under $2,000.00 per month to live in the country without housing costs included.
A single person can expect to expend about one–fourth of these costs by paying around $559.00 per month.
The good news for Americans seeking solace in Brazil is that housing and rent costs in this South American country are almost 80% cheaper than living in the US.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Brazil
The ten cheapest places to live in Brazil are distributed throughout the country, and many are located along its breathtaking Atlantic Coast.
Discover the allure of living in Brazil’s lowest-cost cities as we provide an overview of 10 cities that offer the lowest apartment rents and local housing costs in the country.
Each city on the list below offers its unique blend of culture, history, local attractions, and affordability.
The cheapest cities include those where one-bedroom apartment rents can start as low as USD 100.00 per month.
Newcomers considering making their home in Brazil can find details on local cities like Goina, which is leading the pack with its urban planning structure, and João Pessoa, which is one of the country’s hidden coastal gems.
Our guide provides details on the lowest-cost cities on the land based on the starting rental rates of a one-bedroom apartment and the cost of living data provided by Numbeo.
In these low-cost cities, there is a place for every budget and lifestyle preference.
Dive in to learn which Brazilian budget-friendly town could be the right place for you to call home!
1. Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is located in the southeastern corner of Brazil and boasts modern architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and a bounty of affordable housing options.
Affordable housing costs, which average under $400.00 a month for a one-bedroom, coupled with breathtaking natural wonders like the Serra do Cipo National Park, make this an ideal tourist destination.
More tourists are deciding to call this Brazilian city their permanent home.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,920R$ [USD 379.89]
2. São Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the country’s largest and most populated city.
The costs of living in the city center are slightly higher than in other towns in this South American country yet substantially lower than housing costs for US residents.
Sao Paulo residents benefit from its expansive job market, world-class restaurants, and housing costs that are under $500.00 a month for a one-bedroom in the center of the city.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 2,945.00 R$ [USD $493.66]
3. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular cities in Brazil, as it is nestled between lush mountains and golden beaches that attract tourists and new residents from many countries.
The cost of living in Rio is surprisingly affordable, with all this city has to offer, where residents experience a laid-back lifestyle, easy access to beach activities like swimming and surfing, and spectacular views of local topography and landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 2,356.52 R$ [USD $466.26]
4. Salvador
Salvador, Brazil, is known for its Afro-Brazilian heritage and colorful colonial architecture, which draw tourists and new inhabitants from thousands of miles around.
It is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil, offering newcomers a lively music scene, annual carnival celebrations, and delicious Bahian cuisine that delights the palate.
People seeking to relocate to Salvador will find average rents starting at under $400.00 per month USD for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,933.33 R$ [USD $382.53]
5. Vitoria
Apartment hunters and home buyers seeking solace on Brazil’s southeast coast can find comfort in Vitoria, the capital of Espirito Santo.
On its east coast, Vitoria offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, where locals enjoy water-based activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.
This city is known for its strong sense of community coupled with a high quality of life and low-cost living options for home seekers.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,600.00 R$ [USD $316.57]
6. Goiana
Goina, Brazil, is a vibrant city filled with examples of carefully thought-out urban planning, featuring tons of green spaces, local amenities, and affordable housing.
Residents making their homes in Goina can find apartment rentals in the area that start at under $300.00 per month USD for a one-bedroom apartment.
Budget-conscious residents in Goina enjoy a thriving cultural scene and an abundance of green outdoor spaces and benefit from a rapidly growing economy.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,360.00 R$ [USD $269.09]
7. Aracaju
House hunters looking for the lowest rents in Brazil can make their home in the capital of Sergipe State on the northeastern coast of the country.
Aracaju is indeed one of the cheapest cities in Brazil to live in.
Residents can find one-bedroom rentals in Aracaju starting as low as $100.00 per month USD to complement their coastal lifestyle in this hidden gem that blends tranquility with natural beauty and affordability.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 500.00 R$ [USD 98.39]
8. Joao Pessoa
Locals know Joao Pessoa for its stunning examples of historic architecture, relaxed vibes, and vibrant cultural scene boasted by a strong sense of community.
Joao Pessoa is a welcoming Brazilian destination for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
This affordable town is another one of Brazil’s oceanside cities that make beachfront living possible
Rents start at under $300.00 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,400.00 R$ [USD $277.00]
9. Fortaleza
Homebuyers and apartment hunters seeking to reside in one of Brazil’s most affordable cities with a rich cultural heritage can find one-bedroom rentals in Fortaleza starting as low as $350.00 per month USD.
Fortaleza is one of the most affordable cities in Brazil, offering residents a relatively good quality of life and plenty of outdoor recreation, including year-round activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife spotting, and boating.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,721.27 R$ [ USD $340.57]
10. Cuiaba
Cuiba Brazil offers home seekers another low-cost option for making their home in Brazil, with monthly rents starting at just over USD 300.00 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Locals know Cuiabá as the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon, which features a host of natural attractions, including the Chapad dos Guimaraes National Park, which is known for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class hiking trails.
Newcomers to Cuiabá seeking warm tropical temperatures can settle down in this warm city with a tropical climate.
Average Housing Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,566.67 R$ [USD $309.98 ]
Brazil Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Brazil Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Living in Some of the Cheapest Cities in Brazil?
With housing costs averaging almost 70% less than US prices, the obvious benefit of living in Brazil’s cheapest cities is realizing annual cost savings on living expenses that could result in savings of more than half your current expenditures.
Along with affordable housing options, many of the cheapest places to live in Brazil offer access to a year-round temperate climate, free healthcare, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
What Are Some of the Downsides of Living in Brazil's Least Expensive Cities?
Taking advantage of affordable housing options in some of Brazil’s least expensive cities has many upsides.
However, residents in some areas of this South American country can face challenges related to local infrastructure, transportation, roads, and utilities.
While the crime rates can vary across the country, some of the cheaper cities in the area may experience higher crime rates in certain zones.
How to Convert USD to Brazilian Real?
One Brazilian Real is equivalent to around USD .20.
This exchange rate makes it easier for people seeking to move to the country to save money on housing and everyday activities required for sustainability.
Brazilian newcomers realize cost savings on housing that can save them more than 50% of their current US housing costs.
What is the Local Currency of Brazil?
Brazil’s local currency is the Brazilian Real R$, which has a highly favorable exchange rate when converted to USD.
People considering moving to Brazil and converting currency from USD will find that their money goes a long way towards covering everyday costs like living expenses, transportation, food, healthcare, and leisure activities.
Newcomers can exchange currency for the local BRL at local currency exchanges, banks, ATMs, and online.
What Are the Health Care Options Like in the Cheapest Cities in Brazil, and Are They Affordable for Expats or Travelers?
If you’re thinking about traveling to or moving to Brazil, it is important to note that the country operates a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost services to residents.
While healthcare services may be more affordable than in US healthcare facilities, travelers and expats may experience issues with extended wait times and varying quality of service.
