Rio de Janeiro
Brazil · South America
$1,450
Monthly Cost
avg/person
44
Cost Index
NYC=100
40
Rent Index
NYC=100
62
Quality of Life
Moderate
28
Safety Index
Poor
6.7M
Population
BRL
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $24 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4.2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $42 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.9 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $29000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $23000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $88 |
| Mobile Plan | $16 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $26 |
| Fitness Club/month | $32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $460/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $950/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $2,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $900 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11.5% |
Cost of Living in Rio de Janeiro — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is approximately $1,450 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Rio de Janeiro has a cost index of 44, making it around 56% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Rio de Janeiro costs around $460/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,600/month. The rent index is 40 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Rio de Janeiro scores 62/100 on the quality of life index and 28/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 62/100. The climate index is 78/100. 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 Rio de Janeiro is approximately $900/month. With a purchasing power index of 52/100, 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 Rio de Janeiro compare to other cities?
Rio de Janeiro is located in South America with a population of approximately 6.7M. At a cost index of 44 (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 Rio de Janeiro stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.