Cost of Living in Joao Pessoa - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Joao Pessoa
Address: Joao Pessoa, BR

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $550 (excluding rent), and $854 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,335 (excluding rent), and $1,811 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.33 R$28.53

$4.44 R$23.78

$7.11 R$38.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.95 R$144

$17.96 R$96.2

$50.3 R$270

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.15 R$32.94

$5.8 R$31.06

$7.92 R$42.41

Cappuccino

$1.64 R$8.8

$0.91 R$4.86

$4.54 R$24.3

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.94 R$5.02

$0.7 R$3.77

$1.05 R$5.65

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.59 R$3.16

$0.55 R$2.94

$0.92 R$4.91

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.84 R$9.86

$1.41 R$7.56

$2.21 R$11.83

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.31 R$17.73

$2.76 R$14.78

$3.68 R$19.7

Milk (1 liter)

$1.11 R$5.97

$0.88 R$4.71

$1.76 R$9.43

White Bread (500g)

$1.49 R$8

$0.97 R$5.21

$2.3 R$12.31

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.36 R$7.27

$1.02 R$5.45

$1.66 R$8.92

Eggs

$2.46 R$13.18

$1.21 R$6.46

$3.2 R$17.15

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.97 R$32

$2.62 R$14.05

$10.85 R$58.1

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.03 R$21.58

$3.4 R$18.22

$5.01 R$26.85

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.3 R$33.74

$4.42 R$23.68

$8.14 R$43.63

Apples (1kg)

$2.57 R$13.77

$1.41 R$7.54

$6.16 R$32.98

Banana (1kg)

$0.92 R$4.93

$0.66 R$3.53

$1.13 R$6.05

Oranges (1kg)

$0.83 R$4.45

$0.37 R$1.98

$1.84 R$9.88

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 R$5.5

$0.55 R$2.94

$1.46 R$7.84

Potato (1kg)

$1.18 R$6.33

$0.53 R$2.82

$1.76 R$9.41

Onion (1kg)

$0.89 R$4.79

$0.37 R$2

$1.5 R$8.01

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.61 R$3.25

$0.37 R$1.98

$0.92 R$4.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.77 R$4.11

$0.35 R$1.87

$0.87 R$4.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.68 R$14.38

Wine (Bottle)

$8.53 R$45.7

$3.04 R$16.27

$18.95 R$102

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.41 R$7.54

$0.71 R$3.82

$2.14 R$11.47

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.9 R$15.53

$1.61 R$8.62

$4.47 R$23.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.85 R$4.56

$0.82 R$4.4

$0.9 R$4.81

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$62.4 R$334

$20.86 R$112

$62.4 R$334

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.77 R$9.5

$0.89 R$4.75

$2.66 R$14.25

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.62 R$3.34

$0.49 R$2.62

$1.8 R$9.66

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.9 R$15.52

$8.16 R$43.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.03 R$5.54

$0.98 R$5.28

$1.08 R$5.8

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$19K R$101.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$28.3K R$151.8K

$27.1K R$145.2K

$28.5K R$152.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$76 R$407

$45.22 R$242

$154 R$824

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$21.35 R$114

$7.07 R$37.9

$31.82 R$170

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$19.69 R$105

$16.36 R$87.6

$23.61 R$127

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$28.38 R$152

$21.77 R$117

$36.27 R$194

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$26.84 R$144

$12.53 R$67.1

$26.84 R$144

Cinema Ticket

$7.42 R$39.74

$7.4 R$39.63

$9.27 R$49.66

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$321 R$1,718

$236 R$1,264

$363 R$1,945

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,170 R$33.1K

$5,564 R$29.8K

$6,776 R$36.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$41.42 R$222

$21.31 R$114

$71 R$380

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$56.2 R$301

$34.07 R$183

$89.7 R$480

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$109 R$585

$39.23 R$210

$178 R$955

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$68.7 R$368

$44.79 R$240

$89.6 R$480

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$220 R$1,179

$180 R$962

$269 R$1,443

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$216 R$1,155

$126 R$674

$539 R$2,888

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$497 R$2,662

$452 R$2,420

$813 R$4,357

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$435 R$2,331

$360 R$1,926

$899 R$4,816

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,127 R$11.4K

$2,011 R$10.8K

$2,592 R$13.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,085 R$5,811

$952 R$5,102

$1,637 R$8,772

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$435 R$2,333

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

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Cost of Living in Joao Pessoa - Frequently Asked Questions

For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, Joao Pessoa offers a friendly balance of value and lifestyle. Cost of Living in Joao Pessoa, Brazil tends to be lower than in mega-cities, with affordable housing options outside tourist hubs and reasonable prices for local meals and markets. You’ll find clean, safe neighborhoods near the beach at approachable rents, plus cheap, reliable public transport. In peak season, expect a light uptick in prices in popular spots, but room to bargain and shop around. A steady routine in a comfortable area can stretch a budget without sacrificing quality. Tip: plan a short trial stay to dial in your preferred pace and neighborhood.

Daily life in Joao Pessoa is approachable if you plan around neighborhoods rather than tourist centers. Joao Pessoa, Brazil living cost tends to be moderate, letting you balance rent, groceries, and leisure without constant scrimping. For housing, start your search in beach-adjacent areas like Tambaú or Manaíra for quick access to shops and wifi, and widen to quieter zones like Bessa for better value. Food options range from abundant markets to affordable seafood stalls and casual eateries. Getting around is easy by bus or ride-hailing, with walking and biking viable in many areas. Tip: map a week-long loop to sample neighborhoods before committing.

Quality of life in Joao Pessoa comes from blending budgeting discipline with local rhythms. Build a simple framework: prioritize fixed expenses, leave room for food and occasional experiences, and walk or bike to lower transport costs. Tap into seasonal markets for fresh produce and cheap meals, and choose accommodations with windowed breezeways to stay cool without heavy air conditioning. Neighborhood fit matters: Tambaú for life near the action, Manaíra for ease, and Cabo Branco for a quieter pace. Seasonal crowds shift, so adjust your daily routines to avoid peak beaches on weekends. Tip: set a monthly cap for dining out and keep a rotating shortlist of free or cheap activities.