Cost of living in São Paulo, Brazil

Summary of cost of living in São Paulo

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R$ 16,199
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R$ 8,095
  • São Paulo is the most expensive city in Brazil (1 out of 9)
  • Cost of living in São Paulo is more expensive than in 69% of cities in Latin America (9 out of 26)
  • Cost of living in São Paulo is cheaper than in 78% of cities in the World (111 out of 143)
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List of prices in São Paulo
Current as of May 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R$ 51
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R$ 37
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R$ 13
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R$ 5.77
12 eggs, large R$ 15
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R$ 10
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R$ 33
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R$ 14
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R$ 8
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R$ 7
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R$ 53
2 liters of coca-cola R$ 11
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R$ 4.80
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R$ 6,290
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R$ 4,239
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R$ 669
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R$ 4,634
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R$ 2,820
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R$ 563
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R$ 89
40” flat screen tv R$ 1,816
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R$ 697
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R$ 30
Hourly rate for cleaning help R$ 24
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R$ 296
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R$ 293
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R$ 560
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R$ 380
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R$ 127,508
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R$ 5.95
Monthly ticket public transport R$ 289
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R$ 46
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R$ 26
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R$ 49
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R$ 384
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R$ 22
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R$ 15
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R$ 23
4 rolls of toilet paper R$ 8
Tube of toothpaste R$ 7
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R$ 78
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R$ 147
2 tickets to the movies R$ 77
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R$ 380
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R$ 314
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R$ 37
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R$ 18
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R$ 13
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R$ 3,548
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R$ 1.67
1 month of gym membership in business district R$ 166
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R$ 13
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 1,679 prices entered by 208 different people.
Latest price update: May 22, 2025

Moving to São Paulo with your children?

International Schools in São Paulo

São Paulo position in our World Ranking

the world
111th
out of 143
latin america
9th
out of 26
brazil
1st
out of 9

Cheapest and most expensive products in São Paulo compared to other cities:

latin america
4th
latin america
4th

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

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