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Cost of living in Sao Paulo: Food, transport, and more
Discover the cost of living in São Paulo: housing, food, transport, healthcare & leisure prices to better plan your budget.
São Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most dynamic city, known as the country’s economic heart and one of Latin America’s main financial hubs. Its fast pace, cultural variety and job opportunities make it attractive for students, digital nomads and entrepreneurs. However, it’s important to consider São Paulo’s cost of living before planning a long stay.
Living in this metropolis involves significant costs, which vary depending on lifestyle and area. Housing, transport, food and basic services weigh heavily on a monthly budget. So, knowing these costs is essential before planning a stay in the city.
Average cost of accommodation in São Paulo
When you plan to move to São Paulo, accommodation is usually your first concern. This vibrant city offers many choices: from modern flats in central districts to larger, more affordable homes on the outskirts. It depends on your preference: living close to cultural and work life, or opting for calmer areas with more space for less money.
Below, we list average accommodation prices in key areas. This will help you understand the current market before choosing your new home in São Paulo.
Standard hotels in safe areas
- In July 2025, the average rate per night was $49 (€45) or about $1,049 (€965) monthly.
Furnished apartments
- A studio in the city costs $393–787 (€360–725) monthly.
- 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: $467 – $936 (€430 – €860) per month approximately.
- Outside the centre, the range is lower: $393–787 (€360–725) monthly.
Co-living
- Coliving in São Paulo usually costs between $290 (€270) and $420 (€390) monthly. The price depends on location, included services and comfort level. Generally, this range offers a good balance between affordability, convenience and community atmosphere.
Standard Airbnb in safe and functional areas
- Average price: $34 (€31) per night, which equals about $1,020 (€950) per month.
Cost of food in São Paulo
Food is a key factor when living in São Paulo. The city blends Brazilian culinary tradition with cosmopolitan influence. You’ll find everything: international supermarkets with fair prices and local restaurants where residents eat daily. Knowing how much groceries and eating out cost is vital for planning a realistic budget and understanding São Paulo’s cost of living.
Prices of basic supermarket products
At major chains like Carrefour or Walmart, the average prices of basic items are:
| Category | USD | EUR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | $1.06 | €0.98 |
Eggs (12) | $2.54 | €2.34 |
Beef (1 kg) | $9.08 | €8.35 |
Chicken (1 kg) | $4.46 | €4.10 |
Rice (1 kg) | $1.19 | €1.09 |
Wine (proxy) | $8.45 | €7.77 |
Cappuccino (proxy) | $2.49 | €2.29 |
Prices of meals in local restaurants
Meal costs in restaurants vary depending on type, location, and dish. Average prices are:
- Breakfast: In a simple local restaurant, a typical breakfast costs about $5 (€4.60).
- Set lunch (“prato feito” or executive menu): Average cost is $6 (€5.50). Dinner à la carte: A dinner in a local-style restaurant averages $8 (€7.40), though it may be higher depending on the dish and place.
Transport prices in São Paulo
Transport in São Paulo is crucial for anyone planning to live, study or work in the city. The network includes metro, buses, taxis, apps like Uber and shared mobility options such as bicycles. Knowing average transport costs in 2025 helps plan daily spending and choose the best way to move around.
- Public transport (metro, train, bus): A bus ticket costs $1 (€0.91). A metro or CPTM train ticket costs $1.04 (€0.95).
- Conventional taxi fare: According to São Paulo Municipality, from 11 August 2025, the base fare for regular taxis adjusted to $1 (€0.93) approximately. $1.31
- €1.19
- Fuel and EV charging: Average petrol price is $1.08 (€0.98).
- In São Paulo, the electricity price for electric cars varies according to the charging place. Charging at home costs $0.13 (€0.12) per kWh. Public stations range from $0.30–0.42 (€0.27–0.38) per kWh. Options like EzVolt and Shell offer rates in similar ranges, from $0.35 (€0.32) to $0.39 (€0.36) per kWh. This means that, although charging on public roads costs more than at home, it’s still considerably cheaper than spending on fossil fuels.
- Bike rentals: Bike Sampa (traditional bikes): Daily plan (unlimited use within 60 minutes): $1.60 (€1.45). $1.60 (€1.45), 3-day plan: $3.00 (€2.73), Plan 00 ≈ $4.00 (€3.64). Extra charges apply after 60 minutes.
- E-bikes (Pedalla): Daily: $13.40 (€12.20). Weekly: $43.40 (€39.50). Monthly: $82.00 (€74.50).
- Uber and similar apps: Minimum UberX fare averages $1.22 (€1.11). A 100 km trip costs about $44 (€40). Uber Comfort can reach $59 (€54), and Uber Black around $87 (€79).
- Vehicle insurance: The compulsory insurance (SPVAT, former DPVAT) returned in 2025. Estimated annual cost: $10–12 (€9–11).
Average cost of a popular new car
Buying a new car in São Paulo is expensive, even for popular models. A Toyota Corolla XEi 2025 (new) sells for about $33,800 (€30,700). The entry-level Chevrolet Onix 2025 starts from $17,600 (€16,000). A basic Chevrolet Tracker 2025 appears in the used but almost new market for around $23,200 (€21,100). These prices reflect Brazil’s taxes and market positioning, so they’re important to consider if you plan to buy one after arriving.
Healthcare costs in São Paulo
You can access the public Unified Health System (SUS), even as a foreigner, whether tourist, student, worker or digital nomad. Emergency and urgent care is guaranteed and free. Refugees and asylum seekers can also register if they have documents like a CPF and migration record, which allows them to access general and specialist care without cost.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance in São Paulo is often essential to avoid long waits or limited access in the public system. A private medical consultation costs around $60–65 (€55–60), depending on exchange rates.
Prices of common medical services
When we talk about the cost of living in São Paulo, we can’t ignore healthcare: From a simple medical or dental consultation to more complex procedures like surgery or an MRI, knowing the average prices of medical services in the city is key to planning your budget and enjoying peace of mind during your stay.
- General medical consultation: Average cost between $42 (€38) and $68 (€62).
Specialist consultation (e.g., cardiologist): Average cost around $56 (€51). - Appendicitis surgery: In top private hospitals like Sírio-Libanês, cost is around $3,500 (€3,200).
- Private dental consultation: Prices vary by clinic and dentist, from $30–80 (€28–75).
- Dental implant: Including implant, prosthetic abutment, temporary and permanent crown, average price is $1,256 (€1,145).
- MRI scan: A private MRI costs $160–260 (€145–235) for a standard scan without contrast, and $240–440 (€220–400) with contrast or higher complexity.
- Medicines: Over-the-counter drugs usually cost $1–10 (€0.90–9) per unit. Programmes like Farmácia Popular offer essential drugs with up to 90% discounts. That can lower the price to just $1 (€0.90) in many cases.
Internet and call plan prices
In São Paulo, internet and phone costs vary. A fixed 500 Mbps plan costs around $18 (€16) monthly. A 600 Mbps plan averages $20 (€18). Faster options of 1 Gbps range from $30–60 (€27–55). For mobile, prepaid minutes cost about $0.28 (€0.25) and SMS $0.08 (€0.07). International calls through apps like Boss Revolution drop to $0.025 (€0.023) per minute.
If you live or travel in São Paulo, besides local plans, you can use Holafly’s monthly plans. This is a practical way to stay connected without contracts or paperwork in Brazil. Global plans start at $39.90 (€36) monthly. You can cancel anytime and use internet in over 170 countries with one São Paulo eSIM. Options include the Light Plan with 25 GB for $49.90 (€45) monthly or the Unlimited Plan with unlimited data for $64.90 (€59).
Best of all, activation takes just one minute by scanning a QR code. That’s it: borderless 5G connection. Many travellers and digital nomads already use it to skip roaming charges and stay connected worldwide.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of leisure activities in São Paulo
São Paulo offers a wide range of leisure activities for different tastes and budgets: from cinema nights to cultural, sports or fitness options. Whether you want to enjoy the city’s artistic scene, relax with a film or stay fit, you’ll find choices for every lifestyle.
Knowing the average prices of these activities helps you plan your free time realistically and balance your budget.
- Cinema: It’s one of the most common activities among residents and visitors. A ticket costs about $9.30 (€8.50). Midweek promotions can drop it to $2.50 (€2.30).
- Museu de Arte de São Paulo: Entry costs about $10.30 (€9.40). Other museums like the Football Museum or Pinacoteca charge $2–4 (€1.85–3.70).
- Gym: Monthly membership averages $30–35 (€27–32). Exclusive options, like rooftop spinning classes, cost around $35 (€32) per session.
- Theatro Municipal and Sala São Paulo: Tickets start from $6.20 (€5.70). They make quality concerts, plays and shows accessible. In general, São Paulo offers alternatives for every lifestyle, from cultural to fitness, always with a price range that balances entertainment and budget.
- Concerts and festivals: São Paulo regularly hosts major international artists and organises music and cultural festivals. Big-name events cost $50–120 (€46–110) on average.
- Streaming platforms: Budget plans like Paramount+ or Netflix with ads cost $3–4 (€2.70–3.65) monthly. Mid-range options like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or YouTube Premium cost $5–7 (€4.60–6.40). Premium plans such as Netflix Premium or Max Platinum average $11–12 (€10–11) monthly.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in São Paulo
Yes. São Paulo is considered the country’s most expensive city due to its size, economic strength and demand for services. However, it’s still more affordable than many European or US capitals.
A mid-range furnished apartment in a central neighbourhood costs about $750 (€690) monthly. In less central areas, prices drop to $550 (€505).
A local café breakfast costs around $3.50 (€3.15). A lunch menu averages $5 (€4.50). A sit-down dinner is about $10 (€9).
A short ride starts at $2.50 (€2.30). Longer trips may exceed $10 (€9), depending on traffic and distance.
A mid-range lifestyle (housing, transport, food and some leisure) requires between $1,200–1,600 (€1,100–1,470) per person monthly.
