Belo Horizonte
Brazil · South America
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
34
Rent Index
NYC=100
60
Quality of Life
Moderate
32
Safety Index
Poor
2.7M
Population
BRL
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $21 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1 |
| Monthly Pass | $40 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.02 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $78 |
| Mobile Plan | $14 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $24 |
| Fitness Club/month | $29 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $580/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $380/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,350/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,600/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,550/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $820 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11.5% |
Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Belo Horizonte has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Belo Horizonte costs around $380/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $580/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,350/month. The rent index is 34 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Belo Horizonte scores 60/100 on the quality of life index and 32/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 62/100. The climate index is 74/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Belo Horizonte is approximately $820/month. With a purchasing power index of 48/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BRL, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Belo Horizonte compare to other cities?
Belo Horizonte is located in South America with a population of approximately 2.7M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Belo Horizonte stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.