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Pros and Cons of Living in Sao Paulo

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 09, 2025

Summary: The pros of living in Sao Paulo, Brazil include its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent job opportunities. The city is also home to some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in the country. On the other hand, the cost of living in Sao Paulo is quite high, and the city is known for its high levels of crime and pollution. Additionally, the traffic can be quite congested, making it difficult to get around.

What are the pros and cons of living in Sao Paulo?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Sao Paulo responded:

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the vibrant and diverse culture of Sao Paulo, which offers a rich array of art, music, and culinary experiences. They appreciate the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its mix of modern architecture and historical sites. The relatively low cost of living, compared to other major cities, is also a plus for many expats and digital nomads. Sao Paulo's extensive public transportation system, including buses and the metro, is generally reliable and affordable, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to get around the city. The city also offers a variety of coworking spaces, which cater to the needs of remote workers and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. However, expats and digital nomads often dislike the high levels of crime and insecurity in Sao Paulo, which can make them feel unsafe, particularly in certain neighborhoods. The city's notorious traffic congestion can also be frustrating and time-consuming for those who need to commute or travel frequently. Additionally, the language barrier can be challenging for expats and digital nomads who do not speak Portuguese, as English is not widely spoken in Sao Paulo. This can make it difficult to navigate daily life, access services, and build social connections with locals. Finally, the city's pollution and lack of green spaces can be a downside for expats and digital nomads who value a clean and healthy environment. The noise and chaos of the city can also be overwhelming for some, leading them to seek out quieter, more peaceful places to live and work," remarked one expat in Sao Paulo.

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Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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What do expats in Sao Paulo appreciate most about the local culture?

"They are always ready for a party. Everything is possible They also share a lot with the poors, and everyone is enforced in some way to participate in caring," said one person in Sao Paulo.

"Expats in Sao Paulo appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Brazilian culture and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which offers a variety of flavors from around the world. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's friendly people, who are always willing to help out and make newcomers feel welcome. Finally, expats enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," remarked one expat in Sao Paulo.

Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Sao Paulo often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's large size and population can make it difficult to navigate and find one's way around. The city's traffic can also be overwhelming, with long commutes and congested roads. Furthermore, the cost of living in Sao Paulo is high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries," said a person living in Sao Paulo.

"The language and they are also very isolated. All the newspapers and TV talk about Brazil and Brazil, not much about the rest of the world problems," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo.

"The people - in general - are not very honest... you have to watch your back in almost all transactions. Plus, the people are lazy and do not do very good work. Plus, everything takes forever... terrible bureaucracy," said one in São Paulo.

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About the Author

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.

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered!
Get Quote

Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered!
Get Quote

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

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