Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Are you considering a move to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and wondering about the cost of living? Rio de Janeiro is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Rio de Janeiro and help you understand whether $1462 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $403.32.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.17 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

32.78 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7.17 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.05 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.07 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.02 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.24 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.78 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.28 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.75 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.15 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.18 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

9.39 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.7 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

8.54 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.23 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.57 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.16 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.73 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.17 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.04 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.62 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.57 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

8.2 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.19 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.27 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.05 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.02 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

58.39 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.23 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.84 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

10.24 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.11 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

20487.6 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

29521.84 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

105.41 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

21.03 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

29.96 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

56.34 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

8.2 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

557.36 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

8865.55 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

53.62 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

49.08 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

80.88 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

66.06 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

464.39 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

321.95 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

920.3 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

682.65 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2379.29 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1335.9 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

403.32 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

10.07 %

Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Rio de Janeiro?

The monthly expenses for living in Rio de Janeiro come to a total of approximately $1462. This includes an average monthly rent of around $464 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $115 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $482 per month.

How affordable is living in Rio de Janeiro?

Living in Rio de Janeiro appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $403.32. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Rio de Janeiro, you would likely need an income exceeding $403.32.

What is the average salary in Rio de Janeiro?

In Rio de Janeiro, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $403.32, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Rio de Janeiro?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Rio de Janeiro is approximately $464. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $321.95 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Rio de Janeiro?

The expense for groceries in Rio de Janeiro can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $350 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Brazil?

The cost of living in Brazil can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How Safe Is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

According to the score of 43%, Rio de Janeiro is not completely safe city. As in any other tourist destination, tourists need to be very watchful and remain vigilant throughout their whole stay in this incredible city.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

While the metro is considered to be safe in Rio and it is highly recommended to use it to travel from one place to another, buses and bus stations are believed to be risky for pickpockets. For your safety as a pedestrian, cross at the crosswalks and do not rely on traffic lights.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

The pickpocket risk in Rio is at a high level since tourists and teenagers are considered easy targets for criminals. Thieves are usually on the beaches or crowded buses and streets. The Centro area is normally safe because there is a police presence. To avoid being the target, you should be attentive and practice common sense.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Occasional natural disasters are possible in Rio, like floods and landslides. Torrential rainstorms may cause the mud goes down the mountain and destroy the houses. Some health problems can also happen, such as the recent Zika outbreak.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

When the risk of mugging and kidnapping is concerned, Rio can be a dangerous city and it is advisable to follow the rules of using your cars instead of public transport at night and not to remain alone in the isolated areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There are no terrorist threats in Rio and tourists can sometimes face protests in the city center which is nothing to worry about.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The beach, the ATMs and streets are the main locations where you can become the victim. As a traveler, you may experience tension over security. Groups of teenagers who try to distract you may be the assistants of the lawbreakers.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Safety is one of the bigger issues for women travelers to Brazil, considering the reports on violent crimes and Brazil women being assaulted. However, Rio is generally safe for women travelers and they can enjoy their wonderful holiday.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Brazilians apply to their visitors the same rules which are being applied to them, so people from the US must pay 160$ for a visa. On the other hand, many nationalities do not need visas to come to Brazil, in case they decide to stay less than 90 days.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Brazilian Real is the currency in Brazil and it is very cheap to the US dollar. You need approximately 200 R$ to 300 R$ per day. When exchanging the money, you can find better rates at shops with the sign “Cambios”.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Different regions in Brazil have different climates. Rio has a tropical savanna climate which is characterized by heavy rainfall between December and March. Summers are very hot with temperatures reaching even 40 °C. Rio de Janeiro is warm during the whole year, although the cool breeze sometimes blows from the Atlantic Ocean.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The City of Rio de Janeiro has three major airports: Galeão–Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport for both international and domestic flights, Santos Dumont Airport for short and domestic flights and Jacarepaguá-Roberto Marinho Airport, located 30km from the city center.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Since Rio can be very dangerous concerning muggings and theft, travelers are always advised to get travel insurance that covers the loss of private belongings, as well as a medical help.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What about weather in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 87°F 88°F 86°F 83°F 80°F 78°F 77°F 78°F 79°F 80°F 83°F 85°F
Temp 81°F 81°F 80°F 78°F 74°F 72°F 71°F 72°F 72°F 74°F 76°F 79°F
Low 75°F 76°F 75°F 73°F 69°F 67°F 66°F 66°F 67°F 70°F 72°F 74°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 30°C 31°C 30°C 28°C 26°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 28°C 29°C
Temp 27°C 27°C 26°C 25°C 23°C 22°C 21°C 22°C 22°C 23°C 24°C 26°C
Low 23°C 24°C 23°C 22°C 20°C 19°C 18°C 18°C 19°C 21°C 22°C 23°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Brazil with Rio de Janeiro

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

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