Cost of living in Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais in Brazil, is a vibrant city known for its rich culture and bustling economy. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.20 on average, with a range between $3.46 and $7.79.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $31.17, with prices ranging from $20.78 to $43.29.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.06, with a range between $5.20 and $7.27.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.21 to $2.60, imported beer $2.60 to $4.33, cappuccino $0.52 to $2.68, and Coke/Pepsi $0.69 to $1.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.69 and $1.04 per liter, averaging $0.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.04 and $2.60, with an average price of $1.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.04 to $2.60, averaging $1.82.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.87 to $2.60 per kg, while oranges range from $0.43 to $1.73 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.52 and $1.56 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.35 to $1.04 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.78 and $1.04, with a monthly pass priced between $25.98 and $43.29.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.87 and $1.10 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.92, with a cost of $0.87 to $1.13 per km and $3.46 to $7.79 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $259.77 to $554.17, averaging $363.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $164.52 to $346.36, averaging $251.11.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $432.95 to $900.53, averaging $651.80.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $311.72 to $554.17, averaging $427.20.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $865.89 to $2285.95, averaging $1347.90.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $606.12 to $1298.84, averaging $848.57.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $51.95 and $105.64, averaging $61.02.
- Internet - Internet services range from $17.32 to $25.98, with an average cost of $19.84.
Cost of Living Rankings
Belo Horizonte ranks 7th on the Cost of Living rankings in Brazil. The cost of living indices for Brazil are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Brazil, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Belo Horizonte offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Brazil. Dining out is inexpensive, and public transportation is budget-friendly.
Housing costs are moderate, with a variety of options available both in the city centre and outside. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to overall affordability.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre where rental prices are lower, and take advantage of the affordable public transport system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Belo Horizonte presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates. The city combines affordable housing, reasonable dining and grocery prices, and efficient public transportation.
Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, understanding these costs will help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy all that Belo Horizonte has to offer.