How Much Does It Cost to Live In Brazil?
When we think about a paradise on Earth, one place that comes into our mind is definitely Brazil.
Festivals, beaches, nature, and entertainment, all are attractive to tourists who after visiting this amazing country decide to move there.
However, they need to know and not get surprised by the fact that the cost of living in Brazil is relatively high.
The reality of high prices might make you change your mind, but if you are earning in more developed countries, then the standard would be almost the same.
Brazil : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Food is not too expensive in Brazil and the prices among restaurants vary as in any country.
If you eat in an inexpensive restaurant, you can find a meal for two at the price of $30.
There are those more luxurious ones that are fairly expensive, of course.
MARKETS
Unlike those who can afford to eat out daily, there are those who are satisfied with having enough foodstuff to prepare their meals at home.
Buying basic groceries at local markets at more affordable prices would enable you to manage food costs more easily and even put aside some money to spend on something else.
TRANSPORTATION
When transportation expenses are in question, Brazil boasts high prices both of public transport and gasoline.
If you manage to buy a car that costs a lot, you will need to pay all the other costs that go with it.
Much money can be saved by using public transportation which is well organized in Brazil.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Due to the fact that the average salaries are below the cost of living and that it is difficult to cover all the costs, the utility prices are based on the standard of living and they are quite lower than in the majority of countries.
You will need approximately $100 for all the basic services.
SPORTS & LEISURE
If you are a tennis lover and have the habit of playing it frequently, once coming to Brazil some of your lifestyle habits might need to change, due to the very high prices of tennis court rents there.
It costs almost equally to pay one hour of tennis as the whole month’s fee at the local gym.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Clothing is not more expensive than in some European capitals.
Quite the contrary, jeans and dresses can be found at lower prices.
If you decide to live the way most Brazilians do, meaning not spending much on apparel, the cost of living in Brazil may be lower for you.
RENT PER MONTH
If you are making an international salary and live in Brazil, you will be among the wealthy people there and will be able to afford to pay high rents.
For a person who earns the minimum wage of $217.4, paying three a bedroom apartment in the city center which costs $582 would be a dream.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Brazil
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.28 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.57 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.63 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.02 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.40 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.92 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.93 |
| Monthly Pass | $43.13 |
| Gasoline | $1.28 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $74.77 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.28 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $20.07 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $22.13 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $24.30 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.70 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $45.30 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $40.86 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $71.85 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $307.77 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $197.35 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $582.14 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Brazil?
Monthly expenses and how they are covered vary widely and they depend on a person’s lifestyle, area of living, and whether he/she possesses a place to live in.
In general, it can be said that the most money is given to food, accommodation, and transportation in Brazil.
Whether you will find food expensive or not depends on your eating habits.
You can either choose to eat out or cook at home and save some money by preparing your own meals.
Average Costs Breakdown
Brazil: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The country’s overall average monthly salary is around $392.
There is a huge difference between Brazil’s official minimum wage and the average salary, due to the fact that the minimum does not exceed $217.4 per month.
If you are going to be paid in Brazil, it is great to know that incomes are not equal in all the parts and they are slightly higher in the southern areas of the country.
Those who settle there might want to buy their own place, even though the mortgage rate is high, reaching 10%.
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
Cost of Living by City in Brazil
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Belo Horizonte | 40.48 |
| Brasilia | 44.02 |
| Campinas | 44.45 |
| Curitiba | 38.34 |
| Florianopolis | 40.26 |
| Porto Alegre | 40.56 |
| Recife | 40.67 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 34.7 |
| Sao Paulo | 44.16 |
