Moving to Brazil: The Standard of Living in Sao Paulo

When moving to Brazil with IntlMOVE Brazil, it’s important to establish a budget to accommodate your standard of living. In addition to working out a budget for the costs of moving to Brazil, including shipping your household goods, you also need to create a budget for day-to-day living.

The cost of living in Sao Paulo is similar to that of a big city in the United States. Sao Paulo is known as the business capital of Latin America, so your budget will depend mostly on the standard of living you are used to maintaining. This city is considered the 10th most expensive city in the world to live in, so adjust your budget if you are not used to big city prices.

However, you will love living in Sao Paulo. The beautiful weather, fun activities, warm people and the beautiful surroundings make the move worth the effort.

Housing

The cost of housing is typically the biggest item in a budget. A nice area to live in Sao Paulo is the Jardins area. This area is considered safe, but also one of the most expensive. To rent an unfurnished apartment, you can expect to spend upwards of $2,000 for an unfurnished 2-bedroom flat.

Transportation

The city of Sao Paulo is very fast paced. This means that commuting can be time consuming as there is always something going on. In fact, a short commute of 5 km can take more than one hour. For this reason, try to find a home in close proximity to your job, preferably within walking distance. If you are working in an area where you don’t want to live, consider relying on public transportation. Using public transportation may save you money and the headaches involved with daily commutes. Gas prices in Brazil are quite high, so relying on public transportation will save you money if you are driving long distances.

Food, Drinks and Entertainment

Locally grown and produced groceries are less expensive. If you are looking for your favorite North American food, expect to pay a little bit more. Similar to the United States, imported food will cost you more money, so buy local if you are adhering to a strict budget.

Dining out and nightlife will cost you about the same amount of money, or slightly more, in comparison to big cities in the United States. Going to a movie will cost slightly more – around $20.

If you are going out for a night of drinking with your friends, the cost will vary depending on your idea of a good night out. You can easily have an inexpensive night on the town, but the costs of beverages add up quickly at the more exclusive nightclubs and restaurants.

Monthly Services

Internet, cable television and cell phone services will generally cost you slightly less than they do in the United States. However, be prepared to pay deposits when you first arrive in Brazil to set up these services. Check out this article on setting up utilities in Sao Paulo.

Going to the salon or paying for a housekeeper is the one thing that is significantly less than in the United States.

Health Insurance

Health insurance costs in the United States continue to skyrocket. However, you will be happy to know that in general, healthcare in Brazil is more affordable. Some plans can even be established for less than $100 per month.

Electronics

Electronics are much more expensive in Brazil than in the United States. Ship your laptops, cell phones and other electronics that can easily be used internationally to Brazil. You will save money in the long run, rather than trying to purchase these items after you move. However, Brazil does not have the same type of electrical outlets. You may need to purchase some electronics after moving to Brazil.

Because of the higher costs in Brazil, shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Brazil is a wise choice. When planning a move to Brazil, contact IntlMOVE Brazil for your international shipping needs.