🇧🇷Cost of Living in São Paulo

Brazil · Population: 12,330,000 · Cost Index: 38/100

Cost of Living in São Paulo

Brazil · South America

Brazil's sprawling economic powerhouse, São Paulo is the largest city in South America with a dynamic arts scene, world-renowned gastronomy, and a fast-paced business culture that drives Latin America's biggest economy.

12,330,000

Population

Cost Index

Safety Index

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $1,550 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $792.50

1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$650.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$420.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$1,300.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$800.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $5.63

Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)

$6.00

Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)

$30.00

McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)

$7.00

Milk (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.20

Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)

$1.60

Rice (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.00

Eggs (12)(per dozen)

$2.20

Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)

$4.50

Apples (1 kg)(per kg)

$2.00

Banana (1 kg)(per kg)

$0.80

Transportation

Avg: $11.76

Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)

$55.00

One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)

$0.90

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)

$1.20

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)

$0.60

Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.10

Utilities

Avg: $40.00

Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)

$85.00

Mobile Phone Plan(per month)

$15.00

Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)

$20.00

Healthcare

Avg: $29.00

Doctor Visit(per visit)

$40.00

Dentist Visit(per visit)

$35.00

Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)

$12.00

Entertainment

Avg: $10.33

Fitness Club Monthly(per month)

$30.00

Cinema Ticket(per ticket)

$5.50

Cappuccino(per cup)

$2.80

Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)

$3.00

Clothing

Avg: $52.33

Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)

$50.00

Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)

$32.00

Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)

$75.00

Compare São Paulo with another city

See how São Paulo stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency: BRL
Language: Portuguese
Cost Index: 38/100
Safety Index: 38/100
Quality of Life: 48/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.