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Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro

Understanding the the cost of living in Rio de Janeiro helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rio de Janeiro is around R$2,000 (US$500) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around R$4,000 (US$1,000) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R$1,500 (US$375) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R$2,500 (US$625) per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center of Rio de Janeiro is around R$7,000 (US$1,750) per square meter. The average price per square meter for an apartment outside the city center is around R$5,000 (US$1,250) per square meter.
Transportation A monthly bus pass in Rio de Janeiro costs around R$50 (US$12.50). A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around R$50 (US$12.50). A one-way ticket on the metro costs around R$3.50 (US$0.88).
Groceries A liter of milk in Rio de Janeiro costs around R$3.50 (US$0.88). A loaf of bread costs around R$3.50 (US$0.88). A dozen eggs costs around R$7 (US$1.75). A kilogram of rice costs around R$7 (US$1.75). A kilogram of local cheese costs around R$20 (US$5).
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Rio de Janeiro costs around R$20 (US$5). A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around R$100 (US$25). A cappuccino costs around R$7 (US$1.75). A beer at a bar costs around R$10 (US$2.50).
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment in Rio de Janeiro cost around R$200 (US$50) per month. This includes electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage. Internet costs around R$100 (US$25) per month.
Private School Tuition Preschool tuition in Rio de Janeiro costs around R$1,000 (US$250) per month. Elementary school tuition costs around R$2,000 (US$500) per month. Middle school tuition costs around R$3,000 (US$750) per month. High school tuition costs around R$4,000 (US$1,000) per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rio de Janeiro

“The cost of living in Rio de Janeiro is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices in the city are among the highest in the country, and the cost of food and other necessities can also be quite expensive. Transportation costs are also relatively high, with public transportation fares being among the highest in the world. Despite the high cost of living, Rio de Janeiro remains a popular destination for tourists and expats alike,” said one expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

Can I live in Rio de Janeiro on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rio de Janeiro 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 choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana might be out of your budget, so I’d recommend looking into neighborhoods like Flamengo, Botafogo, or Laranjeiras. These areas are still relatively safe and have good access to public transportation, but the cost of living is more affordable.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing an apartment with roommates to save on rent. Utilities can also be quite expensive, so try to find a place with lower utility costs or be mindful of your usage.Eating out can be pricey in Rio, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I’d recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to more local, less touristy spots where the prices are more reasonable.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so try to use public transportation as much as possible. Buses and the metro are relatively cheap and can get you to most places in the city. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can add up quickly, so use them sparingly.Finally, be prepared to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. Going out to bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues can be expensive, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy in your free time. There are plenty of beautiful parks, beaches, and cultural events in Rio that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rio de Janeiro is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

Can I live in Rio de Janeiro on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rio de Janeiro for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices. First, you’ll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana might be out of your budget, but there are other great options like Botafogo, Flamengo, and Laranjeiras that are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. Utilities and internet can be a bit pricey, so make sure to factor that into your budget as well. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can save money by using buses and the metro instead of relying on taxis or Uber.Eating out can be expensive in Rio, especially in the more touristy areas, so you’ll want to cook at home as much as possible. There are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out, look for more local, low-key spots that offer affordable meals.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Rio, like going to the beach, hiking in the nearby mountains, or attending cultural events. You might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to high-end clubs or taking guided tours, but there’s still plenty to do on a budget.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Rio de Janeiro is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about housing and transportation, and enjoying low-cost activities, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

Can I live in Rio de Janeiro on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rio de Janeiro for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, some of the more upscale neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana can be quite expensive, especially if you want a larger apartment with modern amenities. If you’re set on living in one of these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that’s not as updated as you’d like.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods that still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. Some of these include Botafogo, Flamengo, and Laranjeiras. These areas are still close to the beach and have plenty of shops, restaurants, and other conveniences nearby, but the cost of living is generally lower than in the more upscale neighborhoods.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment can be quite affordable in Rio. Eating out at local restaurants can be inexpensive, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting parks, beaches, and cultural events.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of safety. While Rio de Janeiro has made progress in recent years, crime can still be an issue in certain areas. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as not displaying valuables and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Rio de Janeiro on $5,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to be flexible with your choice of neighborhood and apartment size. And with so much to see and do in this beautiful city, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a great experience,” commented an expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

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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