Brazil (BR)
South America's largest country, combining major work hubs, world-famous culture, beaches, Amazon biodiversity, strong digital payments, and complex but navigable bureaucracy for expats.
Capital: Brasilia
Region: Americas
Language: Portuguese
Currency: BRL (R$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)
Emergency: 190
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Brazil — 2026 data in BRL.
35
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Food & Groceries
Bread (500g, pão de forma) R$7–15
Milk (1L, UHT) R$5–8
Eggs (12) R$15–25
Chicken breast (1kg) R$25–45
Pasta (500g) R$5–10
Beer (600ml, Skol/Brahma, supermarket) R$6–12
Wine (750ml, domestic) R$40–120
Monthly groceries for 1 person R$1,200–2,500
Dining Out
Lunch by kilo / prato feito (iconic set plate) R$25–60
Pão de queijo + coffee (iconic Brazilian snack) R$10–25
Casual restaurant meal R$40–120
Cappuccino R$12–25
Beer in a bar (600ml long neck) R$12–25
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) R$180–400
Rent
1-bed apartment, São Paulo / Rio central expat areas R$3,500–8,000/month
1-bed apartment, secondary capitals (BH, Florianópolis, Curitiba) R$2,000–4,500/month
2-bed apartment with condominium (São Paulo) R$5,000–12,000/month
Condominium fee (condomínio) R$400–2,000/month
Utilities (electricity, water, gas) R$260–1,000/month
Short-stay furnished rental R$5,000–15,000/month
Transport
Urban metro / bus single fare (São Paulo) R$5–6
Monthly transport pass (SP Bilhete Único) R$250–280
Uber / 99 short city ride R$15–50
Domestic flight one-way (e.g. SP–Rio) R$300–1,200
Petrol (1L, gasolina) R$5.50–7.50
Monthly parking (São Paulo) R$400–1,200
Toll road (SP–Rio, one way) R$80–200
Health & Insurance
SUS public healthcare Free at point of care (wait times vary)
Private GP consultation R$200–600
Private specialist consultation R$300–900
Private health plan (plano de saúde, adult) R$400–2,500/month
Private dental cleaning R$150–400
Utilities
Electricity (monthly, depends on AC use) R$180–700
Water / gas (monthly) R$80–300
Home fibre internet R$100–180/month
Mobile plan (Vivo / Claro / TIM) R$50–150/month
Streaming subscription (Globoplay / Netflix) R$25–60/month
Childcare
CMEI public daycare (0–5 years, limited places) Free
Private bilingual school (monthly) R$2,500–8,000
International school (monthly) R$6,000–15,000
Babysitter / nanny (per hour, informal) R$25–60
Leisure
Cinema ticket R$30–60
Gym membership (monthly) R$100–400
Museum entrance R$20–50
Churrascaria rodízio (iconic Brazilian BBQ buffet, per person) R$80–200
Football match ticket (Brasileirão) R$50–300
Sports club membership (monthly) R$200–800
Haircut (men's) R$30–80
Haircut (women's) R$80–300
Cost of Living
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