Cost of Living in Brazil
Living expenses in Brazil can vary tremendously depending on a number of factors. Smaller towns are obviously cheaper, while the larger cities can be as expensive as, or even more expensive than, large cities in America and Europe.
The Real tends to average at just less than two Real to the US Dollar and the average state VAT rate in Brazil is 17%. However, this does vary and in Rio de Janeiro it is 19% while Sao Paolo charges 18%. Fruit and vegetables as well as books and newspapers are exempt from VAT.
Despite the relatively high cost of living expats tend to enjoy great quality of life in Brazil and living in interior towns or larger coastal cities is cheaper than living in Sao Paulo, Brasilia or Rio de Janeiro.
In larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo costs are high. Renting accommodation in the city averages at BRL 1500 to 3000 with an extra BRL 500 for general amenities. Major cities, such as Sao Paulo and Brazil, have a selection of good areas to live. The rental price in each area will differ and at the end of the day the choice of an area will come down to the proximity of schools, how long your daily commute is and rental prices. The following monthly rental prices are a rough estimate for apartments in reasonably good areas that are popular with Sao Paulo's expat community.
Food and groceries tend to cost an average of BRL 600 each month, but more if there are a lot of imported goods on the shopping list. Eating out at a fancy restaurant will cost BRL 100 for two people but a beer or coffee at the local pub costs three or four reais. Public transport around the city is cheap as fares start at one or two Reals.
Electrical goods tend to cost more than double the price they would cost in America, as import taxes are high.
Internet, cable TV and telephone bills tend to amount to between BRL 200 and 300 each month. Manicure, pedicure and haircuts cost BRL100 monthly and a gym membership is BRL 80. Public transportation is cheap whereas buying a car is considerably more expensive than most western countries.
Education is also quite expensive and expats with children should consider negotiating an education subsidy with their future employers. International IB certified schools in Sao Paulo charge $15 000 for pre-school and up to $28 000 for students completing grade 12. American schools that do not offer the IB certificate charge slightly less with yearly fees ranging from $13 000 (for kindergarten) to $18 000 for grade 12. British curriculum schools offering the IGSCE start at $12 000 per year. Schools do discount fees for families with more than one child enrolled.
Hiring domestic workers and nannies is inexpensive compared to western countries and it is quite common for expat families to have a number of housekeeping employees.
The Real tends to average at just less than two Real to the US Dollar and the average state VAT rate in Brazil is 17%. However, this does vary and in Rio de Janeiro it is 19% while Sao Paolo charges 18%. Fruit and vegetables as well as books and newspapers are exempt from VAT.
Despite the relatively high cost of living expats tend to enjoy great quality of life in Brazil and living in interior towns or larger coastal cities is cheaper than living in Sao Paulo, Brasilia or Rio de Janeiro.
In larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo costs are high. Renting accommodation in the city averages at BRL 1500 to 3000 with an extra BRL 500 for general amenities. Major cities, such as Sao Paulo and Brazil, have a selection of good areas to live. The rental price in each area will differ and at the end of the day the choice of an area will come down to the proximity of schools, how long your daily commute is and rental prices. The following monthly rental prices are a rough estimate for apartments in reasonably good areas that are popular with Sao Paulo's expat community.
- One bedroom apartments generally cost about BRL 1300 for unfurnished and BRL 1500 for a furnished apartment.
- For two bedroom expats should expect to pay BRL 1400 - 1800 for unfurnished and BRL 1800 - 2400 for a furnished place.
- If you're looking for a three bedroomed apartment then prices range from BRL 2300 without furnishings and BRL 2700 upwards for a furnished apartment.
- The monthly rent for a four bedroom apartment tends to start at BRL 3000. Houses are more pricey but you can find some smaller cottages that will cost from BRL 1500.
Food and groceries tend to cost an average of BRL 600 each month, but more if there are a lot of imported goods on the shopping list. Eating out at a fancy restaurant will cost BRL 100 for two people but a beer or coffee at the local pub costs three or four reais. Public transport around the city is cheap as fares start at one or two Reals.
Electrical goods tend to cost more than double the price they would cost in America, as import taxes are high.
Internet, cable TV and telephone bills tend to amount to between BRL 200 and 300 each month. Manicure, pedicure and haircuts cost BRL100 monthly and a gym membership is BRL 80. Public transportation is cheap whereas buying a car is considerably more expensive than most western countries.
Education is also quite expensive and expats with children should consider negotiating an education subsidy with their future employers. International IB certified schools in Sao Paulo charge $15 000 for pre-school and up to $28 000 for students completing grade 12. American schools that do not offer the IB certificate charge slightly less with yearly fees ranging from $13 000 (for kindergarten) to $18 000 for grade 12. British curriculum schools offering the IGSCE start at $12 000 per year. Schools do discount fees for families with more than one child enrolled.
Hiring domestic workers and nannies is inexpensive compared to western countries and it is quite common for expat families to have a number of housekeeping employees.
