How Much Does It Cost to Live In Rio de Janeiro?
The most famous city in Brazil is definitely Rio de Janeiro.
Besides tourists who frequently visit it, there are also people who are amazed by its beauty and decide to relocate there either alone or with their families.
Once you choose that this is the perfect place to be, looking for all the information important for living and working in Rio de Janeiro should be your first activity.
Getting acquainted with the way of living and the expenses there would make your adjustment easier.
Brazil : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Brazil
RESTAURANTS
On the one hand, there are restaurants and bars in Rio which are known for being more expensive.
At the same time, on the other, if you want better prices for your Saturday evening out that would not make a massive hole in your budget some inexpensive restaurants might be an interesting experience.
MARKETS
The city’s economic growth is indisputable and if you decide to work in Rio de Janeiro you will only have benefits.
However, you should ensure that your salary is enough for food and other expenses.
Most money here is spent on groceries and foodstuff even though it is not too expensive.
TRANSPORTATION
Generally speaking, going from your location to your final destination using the public transportation system in Rio would not cost more than $1.
If you are using it daily, it is more affordable to have a monthly pass.
Driving here would cost you a lot, due to the high prices of gasoline.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
It is true that the cost of the service is increasing all the time in Brazil and you can never know the exact price of utilities.
However, according to the statistics, you will not need more than $150 for these bills in the summer months, while during the winter months, this number might increase.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Sports people in Rio would not be satisfied with the prices of fitness clubs and tennis court rents, due to the fact that they are pretty high, even higher than in all the other major cities in Brazil.
Again, paying the whole month’s fee for the gym is more affordable than one hour of tennis practice.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Even though the price of clothing is not high, people do not tend to buy it.
It is not unusual that they only buy clothes and shoes when they can put some money aside, as with the rent and food, very little is left.
Those who earn above average or do not have to pay the rent would be able to afford designer clothes here.
RENT PER MONTH
Unfortunately, Rio is famous for the somewhat problematic areas where living would not be a pleasure, so make sure to avoid those areas when looking for apartments, no matter if the prices of rent are lower and more affordable.
You can find a nice one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for less than $500, which is expensive, but safer to live in.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Rio de Janeiro
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $6.73 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.92 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.79 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.10 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.53 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.90 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.87 |
| Monthly Pass | $48.45 |
| Gasoline | $1.30 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $97.52 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.33 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $20.31 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $26.80 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $57.68 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.73 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $47.74 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $44.87 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $69.27 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $390.76 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $264.01 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $811.9 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Rio de Janeiro?
One of Brazil’s biggest cities, Rio de Janeiro has been ranked among the most expensive cities in the world and knowing the monthly spending of its citizens might help you better dispose of your money.
As a new settler, food, and rent would definitely take the most of your monthly budget, as well as transportation.
Utilities are not that expensive, so you might be able to spend more in restaurants.
All this depends on your lifestyle and habits since some might find sports more critical than bars and restaurants.
Average Costs Breakdown
Rio de Janeiro: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Many people would say that Rio is their dream city and that they imagine a day when they can move there.
Rio de Janeiro is ideal for those who want to experience the excitement of the carnival season, the sunshine, and the beaches, but before moving to Rio de Janeiro they should think about the costs of living there and whether their salaries would be enough for that.
Rio boasts higher average salaries and lower mortgage interest rates than other major cities.
Rio de Janeiro Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Rio de Janeiro Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Rio de Janeiro
| 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 |
| Sao Paulo | 44.16 |
