Last update: Oct 2026 Brazil ⭐ Capital 2.8M

Cost of Living in Brasilia

For one person, living costs in Brasilia are estimated at $1,000 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $20 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Brasilia

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Brasilia actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,000 monthly including rent, or $622 excluding housing.

$1,000 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,614 with rent, or $1,081 without housing.

$1,614 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,228 including rent, or $1,539 for daily expenses alone.

$2,228 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$8.80 R$44.59
$4.89 R$24.77
$19.54 R$99.1
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$39.84 R$202
$31.67 R$161
$71.7 R$364
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.26 R$41.87
$6.80 R$34.47
$9.13 R$46.29
Cappuccino
$2.72 R$13.81
$1.43 R$7.24
$3.67 R$18.60
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 R$7.96
$1.02 R$5.15
$2.24 R$11.34
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00 R$5.07
$0.59 R$2.98
$1.94 R$9.83
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.33 R$11.81
$1.16 R$5.91
$3.49 R$17.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.92 R$19.85
$2.94 R$14.90
$5.87 R$29.76
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 R$5.53
$0.81 R$4.09
$1.62 R$8.22
White Bread (500g)
$2.07 R$10.52
$1.40 R$7.10
$3.19 R$16.18
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.36 R$6.87
$0.61 R$3.08
$3.01 R$15.28
Eggs
$2.43 R$12.33
$1.25 R$6.34
$2.93 R$14.87
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.64 R$59.0
$7.69 R$38.96
$19.70 R$99.9
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.07 R$20.62
$2.52 R$12.75
$4.60 R$23.34
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.80 R$44.60
$5.86 R$29.72
$10.75 R$54.5
Apples (1kg)
$2.49 R$12.64
$1.22 R$6.19
$3.06 R$15.50
Banana (1kg)
$1.48 R$7.48
$0.97 R$4.94
$2.20 R$11.17
Oranges (1kg)
$1.34 R$6.79
$0.61 R$3.09
$2.27 R$11.52
Tomato (1kg)
$1.63 R$8.29
$0.98 R$4.94
$2.15 R$10.88
Potato (1kg)
$1.23 R$6.25
$0.81 R$4.11
$1.84 R$9.32
Onion (1kg)
$1.04 R$5.27
$0.59 R$2.98
$1.76 R$8.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.86 R$4.34
$0.52 R$2.61
$1.23 R$6.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.95 R$4.80
$0.59 R$2.97
$1.36 R$6.88
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.52 R$12.77
$2.42 R$12.25
$3.03 R$15.34
Wine (Bottle)
$8.39 R$42.54
$5.04 R$25.57
$10.09 R$51.2
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.31 R$6.65
$1.00 R$5.07
$1.81 R$9.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.41 R$12.23
$1.77 R$8.97
$3.93 R$19.90
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.01 R$5.13
$0.53 R$2.66
$1.16 R$5.87
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$35.30 R$179
$31.59 R$160
$58.5 R$297
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10 R$5.58
$1.10 R$5.58
$1.35 R$6.83
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.93 R$4.73
$0.93 R$4.73
$1.46 R$7.39
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.17 R$31.25
$6.17 R$31.25
$7.76 R$39.33
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 R$6.54
$1.18 R$5.98
$1.32 R$6.69
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.4K R$118.8K
$23.4K R$118.8K
$23.8K R$120.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.7K R$170.9K
$31.4K R$159.1K
$34.7K R$175.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$96.3 R$488
$45.30 R$230
$197 R$998
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.59 R$63.8
$7.95 R$40.30
$19.86 R$101
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.58 R$114
$20.02 R$101
$30.34 R$154
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$33.65 R$171
$19.71 R$99.9
$70.8 R$359
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$27.87 R$141
$18.08 R$91.6
$32.14 R$163
Cinema Ticket
$7.78 R$39.43
$5.83 R$29.55
$9.72 R$49.26
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$815 R$4,133
$491 R$2,490
$1,130 R$5,726
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$17.2K R$87.3K
$9,694 R$49.1K
$24.2K R$122.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.4 R$281
$39.32 R$199
$88.5 R$448
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.23 R$224
$19.91 R$101
$59.7 R$303
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$85.0 R$431
$49.58 R$251
$119 R$603
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$87.8 R$445
$39.57 R$201
$158 R$802
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$494 R$2,506
$391 R$1,981
$684 R$3,466
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$282 R$1,427
$201 R$1,018
$402 R$2,036
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,127 R$5,711
$888 R$4,500
$1,677 R$8,501
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$593 R$3,004
$499 R$2,529
$848 R$4,299
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,522 R$12.8K
$2,198 R$11.1K
$2,797 R$14.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,753 R$8,885
$1,494 R$7,576
$1,993 R$10.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$850 R$4,310
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
12.12
10
17

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 18, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Brasilia $1,000
Accommodation & Living
$282
Groceries & Markets
$212
Eating Out
$158
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$131
Clothing & Footwear
$123
Sport & Entertainment
$49
Getting Around
$45

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $494 for a central one-bedroom, or $282 outside the center. At 58% of the average salary ($850), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $850, while typical expenses reach $1,000. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $212 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $40.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $35.30 per month.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 98% of cities in South America

3-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 93% of cities in South America

Average monthly net salary is higher than 90% of cities in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
02:32 2:32 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
2,817,381 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BRL – Brazilian Real Converter

Brazilian Real exchange rates as of October 24, 2026: 1 USD = 5.07 BRL (1 BRL = 0.197 USD). 1 EUR = 5.7 BRL (1 BRL = 0.175 EUR).

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Brasilia Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Brasilia - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Brasilia, Brazil compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads in general terms?
Cost of Living in Brasilia, Brazil tends to be balanced for travelers and long-stay visitors. Housing spans practical apartments in Asa Norte or Lago Sul to modern flats in the Plano Piloto, with options that can feel more predictable than coastal megacities. Food and groceries cover a wide spectrum, from mercados to casual eateries, and commuting by bus or rideshare is practical for daily life. Seasonal spikes come with holidays and conferences, but budgeting centers on housing, utilities, and local services. Tip: Fine-tune your neighborhood choice and nearby amenities to maximize value.
What does daily life look like for someone budgeting in Brasilia, Brazil, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life centers on neighborhood choice and work setup. In Asa Norte or Lago Sul you may find more space, while central zones offer closer access to services and coworking, with a tradeoff in commute. Food options range from mercados to casual eateries, helping you balance meals to your budget. Transport is practical, with reliable bus routes and ride-hail options; cycling and short walks work well in compact areas. For errands, plan flexible timing around peak periods. Use the Brasilia, Brazil living cost as a reference point when choosing a neighborhood and rental type. Tip: Test a few short stays in different areas to compare daily rhythms.
What quality of life factors and budgeting strategies help you make the most of Brasilia, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life hinges on routine, outdoor options, and a sensible budget that prioritizes housing and utilities first. You’ll enjoy clean air, wide avenues, and abundant green spaces, which make walking or cycling appealing around residential areas like Lago Sul or Asa Norte. A practical budgeting approach: separate essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) from discretionary spending (eating out, sightseeing, coworking), and build in a buffer for seasonal travel or holidays. Neighborhood fit matters: central Plano Piloto suits those who want quick service access, while lakeside and suburb zones offer more space and a quieter pace. Tip: Scout neighborhoods during both weekday and weekend hours to gauge vibe and safety.
Is rent in Brasilia too high relative to local incomes?
With 58% of the average paycheck going to rent, Brasilia is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Brasilia?
All in, Brasilia runs about $1,000 monthly with rent, or $622 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Does the average salary in Brasilia cover rent and expenses?
An average salary of $850 technically covers the $1,000 monthly cost of living in Brasilia, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Brasilia per month?
Where you live in Brasilia makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $494; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $282. Overall, the market runs from $282 to $494 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Brasilia?
A monthly transit pass in Brasilia runs about $35.30, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Brasilia?
At about $212 monthly, food costs in Brasilia sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Brasilia?
Living on $2,000 in Brasilia means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,000. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Why do digital nomads choose Brasilia?
Remote workers pick Brasilia for good reason: fast internet, vibrant nightlife, remote work facilities, all at about $1,000 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
How much can you save per month in Brasilia?
Monthly expenses in Brasilia run around $1,000, so putting money aside takes more than $1,499 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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