Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 31/100 (New York = 100). It is 69% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

31/100
Cost Index
$762/mo
Median Income
45/100
Safety Index
tropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 25/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$680/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$480/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,100/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 20/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.13/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.4/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.51/kg
Dining OutScore: 25/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$7.2/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$36/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6.6/meal
TransportationScore: 20/100
Monthly Transit Pass$39/month
One-Way Ticket$1.26/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.1/km
UtilitiesScore: 25/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$72/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$35/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$22/month
HealthcareScore: 45/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$60/visit
Dentist Visit$75/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$10/course
EntertainmentScore: 25/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$6.48/ticket
Theater Ticket$30/ticket
Museum Entry$10/ticket
FitnessScore: 22/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$35/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$15/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$6/entry
Personal CareScore: 20/100
Haircut (Men)$15/cut
Haircut (Women)$30/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.8/bottle
ClothingScore: 22/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$30/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$70/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

65 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
low
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
70/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Ipanema, Copacabana, Lapa

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheap to live in?

Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 31/100, where New York = 100. It is 69% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $620–$868 per month.

How much does rent cost in Rio de Janeiro?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rio de Janeiro costs approximately $680/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $480/month.

Is Rio de Janeiro good for digital nomads?

Rio de Janeiro has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 65 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is low.

What is the average salary in Rio de Janeiro?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD. The income tax rate is around 27.5%.

How does Rio de Janeiro compare to New York for cost of living?

Rio de Janeiro (cost index 31) is 69% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,725/month by moving from New York to Rio de Janeiro.

Compare Rio de Janeiro with another city

See exactly how Rio de Janeiro stacks up against your current city or next destination.

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