Brazil is the largest country in South America, and it is absolutely stunning. It boasts beaches, mountains, and lush forests, with landscapes and natural resources as varied as the cultural diversity of its people. As far as Latin America goes, this is one everyone needs to check out.
If you’re considering a move from the USA to Brazil, it would be useful to brush up on some vital information to “know-before-you-go.” This knowledge will empower you for the move, protecting you from any unpleasant culture shock and unexpected financial pressures.
In this article, we aim to put you in the know, with essential information on the cost of living in Brazil vs. the USA. We will equip you with general information as well as tips for doing business in Brazil.
Cost of Living in Brazil
It surprises many to discover that this South American country is rather expensive. There are variations, with cities more expensive to than rural villages, for example, but many costs are still elevated.
Accommodation, manufactured goods, and transportation are expensive, with food costs depending primarily on whether you eat at home or in a restaurant. Services are more affordable, however, because of the country’s low labor costs.
While Brazil lags behind most of Western Europe and the USA in terms of economic development, city life and high salaries still afford expats a decent quality of life with access to most modern conveniences. The country has made significant strides to elevate its peoples by improving their standards of living and income levels, but Brazilians have a wide disparity in the wealth distribution.
This inequality problem has unfortunately resulted in incredibly high crime rates, too, especially within the larger cities, like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. It is concentrated mainly in the infamous informal settlements known as favelas.
Brazil is still one of South America’s leading economic powers, however. It is a BRICS country with the beautiful Amazon forest within its borders and picturesque beaches.
International English-speaking schools exist, but it is advisable to learn some Portuguese. Most people do not speak fluent English, with language is one of the significant influences on the Brazil vs. United States culture gaps.
At the current exchange rate of 1 USD to 4.13 BRL, let’s explore the daily costs of living in this Latin country.
Rent and Housing
Rental accommodation is expensive, and this aspect will be the most significant expense. The average rental costs $605 to $730 per month for a one to two-bedroom apartment in the city.
Education
Education is on par with rental and housing costs. Public schools are generally not well regarded, and private and international schools cost a pretty penny. Daycare for a toddler averages $283 per month, and the average annual fees of an international middle school are $6,053 per student.
Groceries
General groceries, such as milk, chicken, eggs, bread, and rice, are moderately priced.
- $0.84 for a liter of milk
- $1.45 for a loaf of bread
- $0.68 for a 1.5-liter bottle of water
- $3.10 for a pack of chicken breasts.
Eating out, though, is more expensive. A Big Mac meal will cost $6.60, and a three-course meal at a restaurant averages $18.20.
Local beer and wine are reasonable. For example, a 500ml bottle of local beer is $1.17, and a mid-range bottle of wine is $7.50. Imported liquor, however, is a splurge at $2.65 for a 300ml can of beer.
Cigarettes are not cheap either, with a pack of Marlboro’s at $2.20.
Utilities and Telecommunication
Utilities and internet costs are moderately priced. Expect to pay $0.30 per minute for a mobile-to-mobile call, and $25 on average for an uncapped monthly internet package. Utilities average $60 per month for a small household.
Transportation
Transportation costs are high. Gasoline costs $1.10 per liter, and a monthly pass on public transport costs approximately $46.
Cost of Living in the United States
The United States is the world’s most developed economy, and the cost of living is relatively high. The level of convenience and availability of essential services, however, is top-notch. You will easily access schools, transportation, medical care, amenities such as grocery shopping, and entertainment.
So, how does the cost of living in Brazil vs. the USA compare?
Rent and Housing:
Rental accommodation in major cities like New York or Los Angeles can be expensive, with the average cost of a one to two-bedroom apartment being around $3,000 per month. However, prices can vary depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Education:
Education costs in the United States can be high, particularly for private and international schools. Public schools are generally well-equipped, but daycare costs can be exorbitant, with an average cost of $800 per month. Middle school tuition can cost around $16,000 per year for one child, while international schools can cost up to $40,000 per year for one enrollment.
Groceries:
Grocery prices in the United States vary depending on the item and location. Milk costs around $1.14 per liter, while a loaf of bread costs around $3.88. A pack of chicken breasts costs around $12.99, while a 1.5-liter bottle of water costs around $2.31. Eating out can be expensive, with a Big Mac meal costing around $9.00 and a three-course meal at an average restaurant costing around $20.
Local beer and wine can also be quite expensive, with a 500ml bottle of local beer costing around $2.16 and an average bottle of wine costing around $15. Cigarettes are even pricier, with a pack of Marlboro’s costing around $14.50.
Utilities and Telecommunication:
Telecommunication costs in the United States are relatively low, with mobile-to-mobile calls costing around $0.08 per minute. The average cost of uncapped monthly internet is around $60, with impressive Mbps speeds. Utilities for a small household can average around $150 per month.
Transportation:
Transportation costs in the United States are reasonable, with gasoline costing around $0.80 per liter and a monthly pass for public transport costing approximately $127 on average. However, prices can vary depending on the location and mode of transportation.
Cost of Living in the United States vs. Brazil
How does the cost of living in Brazil vs. the USA compare? It’s 35% cheaper overall to live in Brazil. Access to certain services and conveniences are limited, however, compared to the United States.
Living in the United States, you’ll pay on average twice as much for groceries, three times more for education and childcare, four times more for housing, and six times more for public transportation.
The hospitality industry exhibits the widest disparity at 77% more to eat out in the United States than in Brazil.
In the United States, however, you will have easier access to elementary public schools, higher internet speeds, convenient grocery shopping, and better transportation infrastructure. The medical care and entertainment standards are both higher in the United States.
If you’re considering moving to Brazil for business, one of the best tips for doing business in Brazil is to learn Portuguese. It will be easier to make a professional first impression as great weight is placed on verbal communication within the culture.
You must also exhibit a lot of patience in Brazil as business negotiations take time. Meetings often start and end after the allotted time, for example.
How Much Money Do I Need to Live Comfortably in Brazil?
Brazil is a country with a diverse range of living expenses, depending on the region and city. As a general rule, to live comfortably in Brazil, a single person will need a monthly income of about $1,200 USD. For a family of four, the necessary salary per month to live a comfortable life in Brazil is around $1,700 USD. However, these values can vary depending on which region of the country you are in. In most cities, local transport is cost-effective and can be used to get around easily.
Living expenses in big cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro can be higher than in other parts of the country, but they offer more opportunities for work and entertainment. To save money, it is recommended to live outside of the city center and take advantage of public transportation. It is also important to have a bank account to receive your salary and manage your money online.
A good salary in Brazil can range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD per month, depending on the industry and level of experience. This will allow you to live a comfortable life, with enough money for daily expenses, entertainment, and savings. Keep in mind that Brazil has a high cost of living in some areas, so it is important to research the costs of living in the specific city you plan to live in.
Overall, single people can live comfortably in Brazil with a monthly income of around $1,200 USD, while families of four will need around $1,700 USD per month. Local transport is cost-effective in most cities, and living outside of the city center can help save money. A good salary in Brazil ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 USD per month, depending on the industry and level of experience. It is important to research the cost of living in the specific city you plan to live in and have a bank account to manage your money online.
What Salary is Considered Rich in Brazil?
In Brazil, a good salary is one that allows you to live comfortably and enjoy most things the country has to offer. However, what is considered a rich salary in Brazil can vary widely depending on the region and city. As a general rule, a salary of around $10,000 USD per month or more is considered rich in Brazil.
Brazil is a good place to live, with friendly people and easy access to many amenities. The average monthly salary in Brazil is around $500 USD, so a salary of $10,000 USD or more per month is significantly above average. With this salary, you can afford to live in the best neighborhoods, travel frequently, and enjoy a high standard of living.
In terms of dining out, a mid-range restaurant in Brazil can cost around $10 USD per person. However, with a rich salary, you can afford to dine at high-end restaurants and enjoy a variety of cuisines. You can also afford to travel within Brazil and explore all the country has to offer, from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon rainforest.
In conclusion, a salary of around $10,000 USD per month or more is considered rich in Brazil. With this salary, you can afford to live comfortably and enjoy a high standard of living, including dining at high-end restaurants and traveling frequently. Brazil is a good place to live, with friendly people and easy access to many amenities.
