Cost of Living in Brazil vs the UK

If you’re considering a move to Brazil, you’ll have questions – and that’s only natural.

An international move of any kind is a big decision, and one of the most common things to think about is the cost of living. Whether you’re relocating for your job, family reasons or just a change of pace, understanding everyday costs is key. In this guide, we examine the cost of living in Brazil and how it compares to the UK. We’ll look at housing costs, utilities, transport, food and more to give you a real idea of what moving to Brazil means financially. 

If relocation to Brazil is on the horizon for you, speak to us about an international removals quote today. We can handle everything for you – from door to door and shore to shore.

Side by side: What’s the difference between the cost of living in Brazil and the UK?

Lifestyles and currencies make a big impact on the cost of living, and when you take two countries as different as the UK and Brazil, you’re bound to see some big differences. Here, we’ll walk through some of the most common factors on the cost of living and compare prices in Brazil side by side to those in the UK.

Of course, there will be variations, like property types and exact locations, but this guide will give you a solid understanding of what day-to-day living will cost you in Brazil.

The key takeaway? If you’re planning to move to Brazil, you can expect to see a significant decrease in your cost of living.

How do housing costs in Brazil and the UK compare?

Finding a place to live will be your biggest cost difference when comparing the cost of living in Brazil VS the UK. Broadly speaking, long-term rent is lower in Brazil’s major cities than in areas like London and the South East, though top neighbourhoods in São Paulo and Rio can approach big-city UK prices. What you end up paying will depend on location, property type and whether building fees or taxes are included. 

City centre vs suburbs

Brazil: Central neighbourhoods in major cities like São Paulo and Rio understandably come with higher rent. Prices drop as you move towards well-connected suburbs. Many apartments sit within condominiums with shared amenities and 24/7 portaria (this means there is staff on duty round-the-clock to control access, receive parcels, register visitors, monitor CCTV and handle emergencies). 

UK: City-centre apartments are premium in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Outer zones or commuter belts are cheaper, but rail or tube costs may offset savings.

Let’s take a quick look at how the costs compare. Locations, facilities, conditions and a variety of other factors will impact the cost of rent in both the UK and Brazil, but these are some approximate estimates as of October 2025.

Location & type	City-centre 1 bed	Outside city 1 bed	City-centre 3 bed	Outside city 3 bed
São Paulo	R$3,000 – 4,500 £400 – 600	R$1500-2,500 £200 – £350	R$5,000 – 8,000 £675 – 1,100	$3,000 – 5,500 £400 – 751
Rio de Janeiro	R$1800 – 2,500 £250 – 350	R$1300 – 2,200 £175 – £300	R$3,000 – 7,000 £400 – 950	R$2,000 – 5,000 £275 – 700
London boroughs	£1,700 – 2,500	£1,500 – 2,000	£3,000 – 5,000+	£2,200 – 3,000
UK outside London	£800 – 1,200	£700 – £1,000	£900 – 1,800	£800 – 1,500

How do utility costs compare in Brazil and the UK?

Like housing, you can expect to spend less on utilities in Brazil compared to the UK. Water, energy and things like broadband tend to be much cheaper in Brazil than in the UK, as outlined below.

Monthly bill	Brazil 1-bed	Brazil 3-bed	UK 1-bed	UK 3-bed
Energy (gas & electric)	£35.00	£65.00	£110.00	£199.00
Water/sewage	£9.00	£14.00	£40.00	£50.00
Broadband	£15.00	£15.00	£25.00	£25.00

How do salaries in Brazil compare to those in the UK?

When looking into relocating to countries with lower costs of living, many people stop to question what the salaries in that country are like. And that’s an important question. 

Looking at the numbers side by side, local employees in Brazil earn less than those in the UK, generally. Average monthly earnings in Brazil sit around R$3,500 (£475), while the UK’s residents see an average of £2,300 (R$16,800) monthly. 

Even with lower prices in Brazil, a typical São Paulo 1-bed can absorb a large share of an average salary, particularly in premium bairros. In the UK, London rent remains the main squeeze on take-home pay; the same salary outside London goes noticeably further.

How does this stack up for lifestyle?

• Remote professionals paid in GBP/USD: often enjoy strong purchasing power in Brazil (lower day-to-day costs + higher foreign income).
• Local hires on Brazilian salaries: need to budget carefully for rent and private healthcare to maintain a UK-like standard of living.
• Families: childcare and schooling choices (state vs private/international) can flip the affordability equation in either country.

Is food more expensive in Brazil or the UK?

Groceries and casual dining are cheaper in Brazil than in the UK, often by a wide margin. A typical weekly shop for one costs less in Brazil, and on-the-go eating out (lunches, coffee, fast food) is noticeably lower too. UK prices have also been rising again in 2025, which widens the gap.

Normal Monthly Grocery Spend

Those living in large Brazilian cities like Rio or São Paulo can expect to spend an average of £150 a month on food for a single person. The equivalent in the UK can cost, on average, £220.

For dining out, a casual, inexpensive meal in a Brazilian restaurant will cost £6 per person, while the equivalent in the UK will set you back about £15.

Cost of Living in Brazil FAQs

If you’re trying to decide whether a move to Brazil is right for you, you’ve probably got lots of questions about the cost of living. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive from clients planning an international move to Brazil.

There really is so much to consider when moving to another country, and Brazil, with all its fascinating colour and festivities, is no different. Speak to our experts today to find out more or get started on your move! You can start prepping with our blog, 5 Facts You Should Know Before Moving to Brazil.