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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Brasilia 2024
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Cost of Living in Brasilia

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

Summary: If you're moving to Brasilia, understanding the the cost of living in Brasilia 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 Brasilia - Cost of Living in Brasilia

Cost of Living Brasilia
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from R$1,500 to R$3,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from R$2,500 to R$5,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from R$1,000 to R$2,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from R$1,500 to R$3,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Brasilia can range from R$200,000 to R$1,000,000 depending on the size and location. The cost of purchasing a house in Brasilia can range from R$400,000 to R$2,000,000 depending on the size and location.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Brasilia is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs R$3.50 and a monthly pass costs R$90. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is based on the distance traveled. The cost of owning and maintaining a car in Brasilia is relatively high due to the cost of fuel, insurance, and parking.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Brasilia is relatively inexpensive. Basic food items such as bread, milk, eggs, and rice can be purchased for less than R$10. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also available at local markets for a reasonable price. The cost of imported food items such as cheese, wine, and chocolate is higher than the cost of local food items.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Brasilia is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant can cost between R$15 and R$30. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between R$30 and R$50. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost between R$50 and R$100.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Brasilia is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is R$150 per month. The average cost of water is R$50 per month. The average cost of internet is R$50 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Brasilia can vary depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is R$1,000 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is R$1,500 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is R$2,000 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is R$2,500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Brasilia

"The cost of living in Brasilia is generally considered to be moderate. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other major cities in Brazil. However, the cost of living in Brasilia can be higher than in other parts of the country due to the city's higher wages and higher cost of living. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can be more expensive than in other parts of Brazil," said one expat living in Brasilia.

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

"I've been living in Brasilia for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live 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 areas in Brasilia are Taguatinga, Ceilândia, and Samambaia. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Lago Sul, Lago Norte, and Asa Sul, as the cost of living there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you'll need to rely on public transportation, which is relatively cheap and efficient in Brasilia. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. So, using the metro and buses will help you save money.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Brasilia, especially in the more upscale restaurants. To save money, you should cook at home as much as possible and shop at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to more affordable options like local street food or small, family-owned restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. Instead of going to expensive bars and clubs, consider exploring the many free or low-cost cultural events and attractions that Brasilia has to offer, such as museums, parks, and festivals.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Brasilia is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Brasilia.

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

"I've been living in Brasilia 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 adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Lago Sul, Lago Norte, and Asa Sul might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Águas Claras, Guará, or Taguatinga. These neighborhoods still have good infrastructure and access to public transportation, but the cost of living is significantly lower.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is living in a smaller apartment or house than you're used to. Real estate prices in Brasilia can be quite high, especially in the more desirable neighborhoods. You'll also need to be mindful of your utility bills, as electricity and water can be expensive. Try to conserve energy by using energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights when you're not using them.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Brasilia can be expensive due to high taxes and insurance costs. If you can, try to rely on public transportation or use ride-sharing apps like Uber to get around. This will save you a significant amount of money each month.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that some items are more expensive than you're used to, especially imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and eat at more affordable restaurants. You can still enjoy the occasional night out at a nice restaurant, but you'll need to budget for it.Finally, you might have to cut back on some of your entertainment and leisure activities. Going to the movies, concerts, and other events can be pricey in Brasilia. Look for free or low-cost activities like outdoor festivals, parks, and cultural events to keep yourself entertained without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Brasilia on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on utilities, and being smart about your transportation, groceries, and entertainment choices, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," said one expat living in Brasilia.

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

"I've been living in Brasilia 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 Lago Sul and Lago Norte can be quite expensive, with rents for a decent-sized apartment easily going over $2,000 a month. If you want to live in these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share with roommates to make it work within your budget.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Asa Sul, where you can find a nice apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. These areas are still quite central and have good access to public transportation, supermarkets, and other amenities, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.In terms of other expenses, eating out can be quite affordable in Brasilia, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more touristy areas. You can easily find a decent meal for around $5 to $10. Groceries can be a bit more expensive, but if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce, you can still keep your food costs relatively low.Transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass for public transportation costing around $50. If you prefer to drive, gas prices are reasonable, and you can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Brasilia on $5,000 a month, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation. If you're willing to do that, you'll be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to while experiencing life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Brasilia.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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