Cost of Living in Sao Luis - Updated Prices & Insights

34.25
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $480 (excluding rent), and $786 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,191 (excluding rent), and $1,569 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.92 R$27.32
$3.58 R$19.87
$13.43 R$74.6
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.11 R$173
$21.97 R$122
$47.6 R$264
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.34 R$40.76
$5.5 R$30.53
$7.89 R$43.82
Cappuccino
$2.03 R$11.28
$1.05 R$5.83
$3.5 R$19.44
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02 R$5.66
$0.56 R$3.09
$1.48 R$8.23
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.54 R$3.01
$0.34 R$1.9
$0.86 R$4.76
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.92 R$10.65
$1.46 R$8.12
$2.74 R$15.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.16 R$17.54
$1.76 R$9.75
$6.15 R$34.11
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 R$5.6
$0.83 R$4.58
$1.1 R$6.11
White Bread (500g)
$1.83 R$10.14
$1.23 R$6.83
$2.81 R$15.61
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.03 R$5.7
$0.92 R$5.13
$1.11 R$6.16
Eggs
$1.89 R$10.47
$1.43 R$7.94
$2.68 R$14.88
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.12 R$50.7
$8.08 R$44.84
$12.29 R$68.2
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.73 R$20.72
$2.69 R$14.92
$4.48 R$24.87
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.27 R$40.35
$3.24 R$17.96
$9.9 R$54.9
Apples (1kg)
$1.87 R$10.37
$1.23 R$6.81
$2.63 R$14.59
Banana (1kg)
$1.21 R$6.73
$0.97 R$5.37
$2.64 R$14.65
Oranges (1kg)
$0.97 R$5.37
$0.53 R$2.96
$1.6 R$8.87
Tomato (1kg)
$1.37 R$7.58
$0.85 R$4.73
$1.6 R$8.9
Potato (1kg)
$1.11 R$6.19
$0.88 R$4.88
$1.23 R$6.84
Onion (1kg)
$1.24 R$6.88
$1.1 R$6.09
$1.83 R$10.15
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.73 R$4.07
$0.61 R$3.38
$0.87 R$4.82
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.62 R$3.41
$0.47 R$2.6
$1.13 R$6.25
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.11 R$11.7
$1.92 R$10.68
$2.38 R$13.22
Wine (Bottle)
$7.39 R$41.02
$3.32 R$18.43
$12.93 R$71.7
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.12 R$6.2
$0.67 R$3.73
$1.6 R$8.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.88 R$10.43
$1.03 R$5.73
$2.63 R$14.6
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.79 R$4.4
$0.79 R$4.4
$0.84 R$4.69
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$34.66 R$192
$29.85 R$166
$38.03 R$211
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.89 R$4.94
$0.66 R$3.68
$0.89 R$4.94
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.53 R$2.95
$0.52 R$2.9
$0.8 R$4.46
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.98 R$33.21
$4.21 R$23.35
$7.58 R$42.09
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.03 R$5.69
$0.93 R$5.17
$1.15 R$6.38
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.1K R$94.7K
$16.2K R$89.9K
$20.2K R$111.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.8K R$143.2K
$23.8K R$132K
$28.2K R$156.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$84.1 R$467
$45.14 R$251
$212 R$1,176
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.36 R$96.4
$5.36 R$29.74
$21.81 R$121
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$16.41 R$91.1
$14.61 R$81.1
$25.58 R$142
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.03 R$100
$8.86 R$49.19
$35.44 R$197
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.38 R$85.4
$12.67 R$70.3
$18.09 R$100
Cinema Ticket
$6.11 R$33.89
$4.49 R$24.92
$7.17 R$39.81
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$207 R$1,151
$90.2 R$500
$325 R$1,801
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,396 R$24.4K
$2,638 R$14.6K
$6,155 R$34.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.39 R$241
$26.56 R$147
$86.8 R$482
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$47.98 R$266
$27.47 R$152
$64.1 R$356
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$54.3 R$301
$45.83 R$254
$119 R$661
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$54.7 R$304
$27.35 R$152
$106 R$587
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$395 R$2,191
$163 R$904
$633 R$3,515
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$210 R$1,167
$125 R$695
$501 R$2,780
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$514 R$2,854
$287 R$1,593
$897 R$4,978
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$300 R$1,666
$218 R$1,212
$582 R$3,231
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,385 R$7,688
$789 R$4,379
$2,689 R$14.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$644 R$3,575
$516 R$2,862
$889 R$4,934
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$359 R$1,992
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10.92
8
13
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Sao Luis - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sao Luis compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Sao Luis, Brazil is often more approachable than in Brazil's mega-cities, especially for daily meals and mid-range housing. You will find value in older, well-connected neighborhoods with easy bus access and a pleasant riverfront vibe. Seasonal tourist peaks can nudge prices in central spots, but long stays and cooking at home keep costs predictable. Utilities and local services tend to be reasonable when you prioritize local options over tourist hubs. The overall rhythm supports a relaxed pace without sacrificing access to essential amenities. Tip: Start with a short stay in a neighborhood you are curious about to gauge daily costs and routines.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Sao Luis?
You search for housing by strolling the historic center, the waterfront, and quieter residential lanes, testing a few longer leases to compare comfort and noise. Food options run from bustling mercados and street stalls to neighborhood bakeries where cooking at home remains economical. Public transport is the main workhorse – bus routes get you across town, with ride-hailing options for late hours or bags. Errands cluster in central corridors, so you will save time by mapping a one- or two-basket route for groceries, meds, and banking. Understanding the Sao Luis, Brazil living cost helps you compare neighborhoods and set a realistic weekly routine. Tip: Build your week around market days to maximize savings and variety.
What quality-of-life factors, budgeting strategies, and neighborhood fits should you consider in Sao Luis?
Quality of life here blends sunny days with a relaxed tempo and a strong sense of local community. Use a practical budgeting approach: cover housing first, then groceries and transport, with a buffer for occasional dining out and beach outings. Prioritize neighborhoods near markets and transport links, but choose areas with shade trees and quieter streets if you are sensitive to heat or noise. Seasonality matters: the rainy months can alter outdoor plans and daily routines. Tip: Try a few neighborhoods at different times of year to feel the vibe before committing long-term.
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