Post: #1

So

Brazilian cities besides Rio, São Paulo, Florianapolis etc.

Cities like Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and who knows where else. Places that are solid cities but not main tourist attractions.

What's the cost of living there? Things like lunch, beer, transport, rent, etc.

Would living there on $1,500 Rs a month be doable in a minimalist way? Could one find a room for say, $500 Rs a month?

Post: #2

Yeah 1,500 Rs should be ok to survive and you will definetely find a room for 500Rs in any of the cities you go. But you wont live like a king with that money, but you will be able to afford the basic necessities.

Post: #3

(02-18-2011 07:47 AM)lottery Wrote:  Yeah 1,500 Rs should be ok to survive and you will definetely find a room for 500Rs in any of the cities you go. But you wont live like a king with that money, but you will be able to afford the basic necessities.

I remember when it was 2 to 1 around 6 years ago. Brazil now is getting expensive as hell. Well Sau palo and Rio anyways.

Post: #4

(02-18-2011 07:47 AM)lottery Wrote:  Yeah 1,500 Rs should be ok to survive and you will definetely find a room for 500Rs in any of the cities you go. But you wont live like a king with that money, but you will be able to afford the basic necessities.

I just got back from Brazil. In the cities like SP, real estate appreciated 30% in one year alone. I am not sure how much a life you could have with Rs$1,500/mo. though I could be wrong. Those cities you listed may be cheaper than where I was though. In SP state, look at the towns outside of Sao Paulo like Itu (kinda expensive still), Salto, Jundiai, Campinas (bit of crime though), or my personal favorite, Sorocaba. They are only a 1-2 hour bus ride from SP when you need to go, much cheaper, and (usually) safer (Itu is safest I think). In Sorocaba you could probably get a nice place for relatively cheap. I know I guy renting there and I could inquire if you want. However, knowing you are a foreigner expect huge price inflation without negotiation.

Post: #5

I just posted some benchmark real estate prices for 1 BR rental in a new post in Travel. Maybe that will help.

Post: #6

Brasilia has a cost of living in general, equivalent to a high cost of living spaces. The total cost of living index is composed of prices for specific quantities of the same commodity.

Post: #7

Hello, Sonso!
Outside of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia, which are more expensive, you will spend about 2000-2500 reais a month to have a pretty good but simple lifestyle as a single man.

Let´s break down your expenses.
You will spend:

- 600 to 700 reais renting a small, 2 bedroom and nicely located apartment.
- 500-600 reais on food, if you eat a lot like I do (I cook at home).
- 100 if you go to the gym.
- 150-200 on a maid to go clean your pad and wash your clothes once or twice a week.
- 300-400 on bars and clubs (that´s for guys who don´t go to VIP parties nor get bottle service, but like to go out twice a week).
- 200 on gas if you use your car a lot.
- 200 on other expenses.

So the total would be between 2050 and 2400 reais.

Most of the cities in Brazil, outside the state capitals, have this cost of living.

Post: #8

One more thing: the recent increase in house prices in Brazil is a bubble which will pop sooner or later.
It was initiated due to the recent financing advantages most banks are giving to people who want to buy houses (very low interest rates). This has caused a huge increase in demand, so the market had adjusted the prices accordingly (and there´s a lot of speculation, as well).

The truth is most people simply can´t pay these high prices because they don´t earn enough.

Post: #9

(02-24-2011 07:54 AM)Brazilianguy Wrote:  Hello, Sonso!
Outside of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia, which are more expensive, you will spend about 2000-2500 reais a month to have a pretty good but simple lifestyle as a single man.

Let´s break down your expenses.
You will spend:

- 600 to 700 reais renting a small, 2 bedroom and nicely located apartment.
- 500-600 reais on food, if you eat a lot like I do (I cook at home).
- 100 if you go to the gym.
- 150-200 on a maid to go clean your pad and wash your clothes once or twice a week.
- 300-400 on bars and clubs (that´s for guys who don´t go to VIP parties nor get bottle service, but like to go out twice a week).
- 200 on gas if you use your car a lot.
- 200 on other expenses.

So the total would be between 2050 and 2400 reais.

So,

I will not need a 2 bedroom apt, I'll just rent a room in a bigger apt that has a kitchen etc. - 200 (?) reais
Won't pay for a gym membership. - 100
Won't pay for a maid. - 150
Won't have a car. - 200

I just saved 650 reais!

Post: #10

Hello, Sonso.

Well, you could always go university student style.

The key is finding a town with some state and federal universities and look for room mates among the students.
You will probably spend around 200-300 reais in housing costs.
You will also share the cost of having a maid with other students. This will drive your total expenses down to 1000-1500 reais.