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Cost of Living in Curitiba

If you're moving to Curitiba, understanding the the cost of living in Curitiba helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Curitiba

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Curitiba is around R$1,500 per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Curitiba is around R$2,500 per square meter. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Curitiba is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around R$3.50. A monthly pass costs around R$90.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Curitiba is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around R$3.50. A liter of milk costs around R$3.50. A kilogram of rice costs around R$7.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Curitiba is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around R$15. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around R$50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Curitiba is relatively inexpensive. The average monthly cost of electricity is around R$150. The average monthly cost of water is around R$50.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Curitiba varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around R$1,000 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around R$1,500 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around R$2,000 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around R$2,500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Curitiba

“The cost of living in Curitiba is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in Brazil. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a variety of restaurants offering meals for a reasonable price. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but are generally lower than in other major cities in Brazil,” said one expat living in Curitiba.

Can I live in Curitiba on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Curitiba for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Curitiba are Cajuru, Capão Raso, and Boqueirão. These areas have lower rent prices and are still relatively close to the city center. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Batel, Ecoville, and Água Verde, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you’ll want to rely on public transportation, which is quite good in Curitiba. The city has an extensive bus network, and a monthly pass costs around $50. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance.As for groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save a lot of money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local, inexpensive restaurants and avoid high-end establishments.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Curitiba, such as visiting parks, attending cultural events, and exploring the city’s many museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent nights out at bars or clubs.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Curitiba is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment,” commented an expat living in Curitiba.

Can I live in Curitiba on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Curitiba for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Curitiba include Água Verde, Portão, and Novo Mundo. These neighborhoods have a good mix of residential and commercial areas, so you’ll have access to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Batel, Ecoville, and Juvevê, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment for around $500 to $800 a month in the more affordable neighborhoods. However, you might have to compromise on the size or the age of the building. If you’re willing to live in a smaller or older apartment, you can save a significant amount on rent.Transportation in Curitiba is quite affordable, with a monthly public transportation pass costing around $50. However, if you prefer to drive, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and fuel, which can add up quickly.Eating out in Curitiba can be relatively inexpensive if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end dining establishments. You can find a decent meal for around $5 to $10, but if you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also quite affordable.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Curitiba, such as visiting parks, museums, and cultural events. However, if you’re a fan of international concerts or high-end nightlife, you might have to cut back on these activities to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Curitiba is definitely achievable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful Brazilian city,” said one expat living in Curitiba.

Can I live in Curitiba on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Curitiba for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than in some more expensive cities. As for sacrifices, I haven’t had to make too many. The city has a great public transportation system, so I don’t need a car, which saves me a lot of money. I also cook at home more often than I used to, since eating out can be a bit pricey, especially in the more upscale restaurants. But there are still plenty of affordable options for dining out if you know where to look.When it comes to housing, there are a few neighborhoods that I would recommend checking out. Batel and Ecoville are two of the more upscale areas, but they can be quite expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re trying to stick to a budget. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Água Verde, Juvevê, and Alto da XV offer a good mix of affordability and quality of life. I currently live in Água Verde, and I’ve found it to be a great place to live, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks nearby.One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living in Brazil can be quite volatile, with inflation and currency fluctuations sometimes causing prices to rise unexpectedly. So it’s a good idea to have a bit of a financial cushion in case things change. But overall, I’ve found that living in Curitiba on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but also quite enjoyable,” commented an expat living in Curitiba.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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