🇧🇷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)

Estimated monthly budget in São Paulo

Typical total monthly cost by household type.

Single person

$1,550

per month

Couple

$2,330

per month

Family of 4

$3,260

per month

Student

$1,160

per month

Estimates based on the average cost of living in São Paulo, scaled by household size. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood and housing.

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 Apt)(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

Popular São Paulo comparisons

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Frequently asked questions about São Paulo

Is São Paulo expensive to live in?

São Paulo has a cost of living index of 38 out of 100, where New York City scores 100. This makes it one of the more affordable cities we track.

How much money do you need to live in São Paulo?

A single person needs an estimated $1,550 per month to live in São Paulo, covering rent, food, transport and other essentials. A family or a more comfortable lifestyle will cost more.

What is the cost of living index in São Paulo?

São Paulo's cost of living index is 38 out of 100. The index is relative to New York City (100), so a score of 50 means overall costs are roughly half those of New York.

What is quality of life like in São Paulo?

São Paulo scores 48 out of 100 for quality of life and 38 out of 100 for safety in our index.