South America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Sao-Paulo
The average cost of living in Sao-Paulo, Brazil is $757 per month for a single person, and $2,139 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $702 per month. The local average net salary is $899 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 17.2 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $757 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,139 / mo
- Student
- $457 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Sao-Paulo
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$899.39 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Sao-Paulo | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Sao-Paulo | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Sao-Paulo | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Sao-Paulo | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Sao-Paulo | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Sao-Paulo | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Sao-Paulo | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Sao-Paulo | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Sao-Paulo | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Sao-Paulo | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Sao-Paulo FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Sao-Paulo. |
Rent & Property Prices in Sao-Paulo
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $702 | $509 – $1,017 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $443 | $305 – $712 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,451 | $916 – $3,052 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $936 | $610 – $1,600 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $2,878 | $2,442 – $4,070 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,054 | $1,628 – $3,052 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $702$509 – $1,017
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $443$305 – $712
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,451$916 – $3,052
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $936$610 – $1,600
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $2,878$2,442 – $4,070
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,054$1,628 – $3,052
Grocery Prices in Sao-Paulo
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.23 | $0.92 – $1.59 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.96 | $1.42 – $3.05 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.49 | $1.02 – $2.44 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.96 | $1.47 – $4.07 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $9.16 – $20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.48 | $3.05 – $7.33 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $11 | $8.14 – $14 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.92 | $1.63 – $4.07 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.99 | $1.22 – $3.46 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.92 | $0.81 – $4.07 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2.02 | $1.22 – $3.05 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.52 | $1.02 – $2.44 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.29 | $0.61 – $2.44 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.30 | $0.71 – $1.63 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.89 | $0.61 – $2.03 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $10 | $5.09 – $14 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.51 | $1.05 – $2.85 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.78 | $1.42 – $4.07 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.05 | $2.44 – $4.07 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.23$0.92 – $1.59
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.96$1.42 – $3.05
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.49$1.02 – $2.44
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.96$1.47 – $4.07
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$9.16 – $20
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.48$3.05 – $7.33
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $11$8.14 – $14
- Apples (1 kg) $2.92$1.63 – $4.07
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.99$1.22 – $3.46
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.92$0.81 – $4.07
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $2.02$1.22 – $3.05
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.52$1.02 – $2.44
- Onions (1 kg) $1.29$0.61 – $2.44
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.30$0.71 – $1.63
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.89$0.61 – $2.03
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $10$5.09 – $14
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.51$1.05 – $2.85
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.78$1.42 – $4.07
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.05$2.44 – $4.07
Public Transport & Car Costs in Sao-Paulo
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.06 | $1.02 – $1.20 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $49 | $31 – $71 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.38 | $1.22 – $2.03 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.02 | $0.68 – $1.42 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $10 | $8.95 – $13 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.26 | $1.20 – $1.37 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $24,419 | $24,193 – $30,524 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $33,930 | $32,559 – $34,917 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.06$1.02 – $1.20
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $49$31 – $71
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.38$1.22 – $2.03
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.02$0.68 – $1.42
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $10$8.95 – $13
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.26$1.20 – $1.37
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $24,419$24,193 – $30,524
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $33,930$32,559 – $34,917
Utility & Internet Costs in Sao-Paulo
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $101 | $51 – $183 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $17 | $8.14 – $26 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $22 | $18 – $31 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $101$51 – $183
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $17$8.14 – $26
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $22$18 – $31
Childcare & Preschool in Sao-Paulo
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $529 | $264 – $977 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $16,826 | $10,175 – $26,739 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $529$264 – $977
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $16,826$10,175 – $26,739
Clothing Prices in Sao-Paulo
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $67 | $31 – $102 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $60 | $28 – $102 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $107 | $61 – $155 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $94 | $41 – $139 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $67$31 – $102
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $60$28 – $102
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $107$61 – $155
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $94$41 – $139
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Sao-Paulo
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $38 | $20 – $81 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $46 | $31 – $61 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $10 | $8.14 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $38$20 – $81
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $46$31 – $61
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $10$8.14 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Sao-Paulo
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $9.16 | $6.10 – $13 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $51 | $32 – $81 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $9.16 | $8.14 – $10 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.44 | $1.22 – $3.66 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.66 | $2.44 – $6.10 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.34 | $1.42 – $4.07 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.37 | $1.02 – $2.03 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.94 | $0.61 – $1.63 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $9.16$6.10 – $13
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $51$32 – $81
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $9.16$8.14 – $10
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.44$1.22 – $3.66
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.66$2.44 – $6.10
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.34$1.42 – $4.07
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.37$1.02 – $2.03
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.94$0.61 – $1.63
Salaries & Mortgages in Sao-Paulo
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $899 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 11.72% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $899
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 11.72%
Compare Sao-Paulo with…
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Sao-Paulo?
- An estimated $757 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Sao-Paulo. A family of four needs around $2,139 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $457.
- How much money do I need to live in Sao-Paulo?
- Plan for at least $757 per month as a single person, $2,139 per month for a family of four, or $457 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Sao-Paulo.
- What is the average rent in Sao-Paulo?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Sao-Paulo rents for around $702 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,451 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Sao-Paulo?
- The average monthly net salary in Sao-Paulo is around $899. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 78% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Sao-Paulo?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Sao-Paulo costs around $9.16. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $50 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.23/L) and bread ($1.96/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Sao-Paulo?
- A monthly public transport pass in Sao-Paulo costs around $49. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Sao-Paulo?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Sao-Paulo costs around $22 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.