How Much Does It Cost to Live In Recife?
Recife is a vibrant coastal city with rivers which make their way to the ocean and beautiful sandy beaches that attract both tourists and those who want to relocate.
Due to the fact that it is the capital of the main zones of the North-eastern region in Brazil, many people come here for business and determine to move to Recife shortly.
Another positive thing is the climate which is never extreme, so people feel comfortable and can enjoy in the beauties of this gorgeous city.
Brazil : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Brazil
RESTAURANTS
One great thing about Recife is that you can have a good meal for different prices, according to your budget and what is even better, alcohol is not too expensive, so you can afford a bottle of beer or wine with your meal.
The variety of restaurants gives opportunities to all to enjoy their night out.
MARKETS
Brazil is famous for good and inexpensive food, meaning that you can eat well and not pay too much in some of its restaurants.
If you are a saver, buying groceries and preparing food at home would be ideal for your budget.
That way you will be able to put some money away for entertainment and leisure.
TRANSPORTATION
Driving in Recife can be a real nuisance as the signs are not respected and Brazilians are not such a great drivers.
Besides paying a lot for the gasoline, you will have difficulties in finding the parking lot and get out of traffic jams.
That is why the public transportation system is a better option.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Besides having money for the rent, another spending that comes with it are utilities.
Bills are necessary to be paid and people often separate money for them, before putting aside for something else.
Services in Recife have reasonable prices, even though there are less expensive cities in Brazil, when it comes to utilities.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Beautiful weather and closeness to the beach make outdoor activities like scuba-diving, volleyball and jogging easily accessible and free of charge, thus dictating the price of gyms and fitness centers.
As in whole Brazil, tennis court rents are pretty high and unreasonable, as you can get the whole month gym pass at the same price.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Recife has an extensive number of shops where everyone can find what he/she is looking for.
Clothing items are not too expensive in Recife and that is why tourists from more developed countries like shopping here.
For the inhabitants who do not earn much, shopping for clothes is inaccessible.
RENT PER MONTH
If you are looking for a place to live in Recife, you will find out that there are the rows of apartment blocks, so that you can choose which one is appropriate for your preferences and budget.
Apartments in the city center are always more expensive than those out of it, but the difference in prices in Recife is not too big.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Recife
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.79 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.86 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.67 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $4.03 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.21 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.90 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.85 |
| Monthly Pass | $45.54 |
| Gasoline | $4.28 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $96.72 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.32 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $35.28 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $25.68 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $18.64 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.79 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $42.61 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $43.58 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $72.26 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $263.65 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $183.57 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $491.57 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Recife?
People in Recife spend the most money on food, even though it is not expensive.
That is the expense which is crucial for daily life and once it is covered, other costs can be paid.
The majority of citizens possess a house or apartment, so not much is given for the rent.
Transportation takes much money, no matter whether you drive or use public transport.
Commuting is a very important part of daily life and it is not unusual to cost so much.
Entertainment and apparel are of the least importance.
Average Costs Breakdown
Recife: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Recife is very similar to other Brazilian cities when the salaries are in question.
The minimum salary is estimated to be enough to cover all the monthly expenses, but if we take into consideration the price of rent then we can realize that it is not enough just for this expense and not to mention all the others.
The average monthly net salary might be considered enough, and future settlers should pay attention to their salaries before relocating there.
It is also very difficult to buy the property here, as the mortgage rates are pretty high.
Recife Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Recife Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cost of Living by City in Recife
| 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 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 34.7 |
| Sao Paulo | 44.16 |
