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Cost of Living in Sao Paulo, Brazil | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Sao Paulo, Brazil

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 07, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Sao Paulo, Brazil is generally considered to be high. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Sao Paulo can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Sao Paulo can range from $15 to $30 USD per person.

Is the cost of living in Sao Paulo high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Sao Paulo, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Sao Paulo is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. Eating out can also be costly, with many restaurants charging premium prices for their meals. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can be quite high, with tickets to events and attractions often being quite expensive," said one person 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.

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! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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Will I save money living in Sao Paulo?

"Living in Sao Paulo can be significantly cheaper than living in the United States. The cost of living in Sao Paulo is generally lower than in the United States, with rent, groceries, and other everyday expenses costing much less. Additionally, the Brazilian currency, the Real, is weaker than the US Dollar, making it easier to stretch your money further. Furthermore, the cost of healthcare in Brazil is much lower than in the United States, making it easier to access quality medical care. All in all, living in Sao Paulo can be a great way to save money compared to living in the United States," wrote a person living in Sao Paulo.

What is the average cost of housing in Sao Paulo?

If you are thinking about moving to Sao Paulo, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"If moving to Sao Paulo know that prices are out of control and that there are lots of hidden costs to renting. I am from Chicago, where I lived in Lincoln Park. 1. Rent, a 2 bedroom apt in Jardins(200 sq meters) will run about BRL 8000/mo. 2. The Next biggest cost is the Condo fee which everyone must pay, about BRL 2000/mo. 3. Next there is the IPTU or the property tax in Jardins expect to pay BRL 600/mo. 4. Then of course you need insurance, expect to pay BRL 250/mo," wrote a person living in Sao Paulo.

"The cost of housing in Sao Paulo can vary greatly depending on the area and type of housing. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Sao Paulo is around R$2,000 to R$3,000 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around R$7,000 to R$10,000 per square meter," explained one expat living 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 are typical rental prices for expats in Sao Paulo?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Sao Paulo can range from around $800 to $1,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,200 to $2,000 per month," said one expat living in Sao Paulo.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Sao Paulo what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Sao Paulo, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and air conditioning unit. Additionally, some properties may also include a microwave, dishwasher, and other small appliances," mentioned one expat in Sao Paulo.

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

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