Palmas, the capital of the state of Tocantins in Brazil, offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Understanding the cost of living in Palmas is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant 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 $3.46 on average, with a range between $2.94 and $3.81.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.32, with prices ranging from $13.85 to $20.78.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.92, with a range between $6.91 and $6.93.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.04 to $2.6, imported beer $2.08 to $6.93, cappuccino $0.52 to $1.56, and Coke/Pepsi $1.39 to $2.08.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.87 and $1.04 per liter, averaging $0.98.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.21 and $1.39, with an average price of $1.3.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.97 to $4.16, averaging $2.31.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.87 per kg, while oranges range from $0.69 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $0.52 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.52 to $0.87 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.67 and $0.69.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $31.17.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.95 and $1.07 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $207.81 to $225.13, averaging $213.59.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $121.22 to $173.18, averaging $138.54.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $259.77 to $519.53, averaging $432.95.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $173.18 to $415.63, averaging $282.86.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $86.59 and $138.54, averaging $112.57.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $17.14 to $17.3, with an average cost of $17.2.
Worldwide
Brazil

Cost of Living Rankings

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in April, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.46
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$17.32
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.92
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.62
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.27
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.98
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.30
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.31
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.35
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.06
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.29
Apples (1kg)
$0.87
Oranges (1kg)
$0.69
Potato (1kg)
$0.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.69
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.69
Tomato (1kg)
$1.04
Banana (1kg)
$1.49
Onion (1kg)
$0.52
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.54
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.67
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.17
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$213.59
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$138.54
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$432.95
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$282.86
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$112.57
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$17.20
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$10.13
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$20.67
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.66
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.20
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.37
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$34.64
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$86.59
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$56.28
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$259.77
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$125.55
Palmas Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Palmas offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Brazilian cities. Dining out is particularly economical, with inexpensive meals widely available.

Housing costs are low, especially for those willing to live outside the city centre. Public transportation is also budget-friendly, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.

Grocery prices are competitive, and utilities are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Palmas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Palmas presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Brazil. The city combines affordable housing, dining, and transportation with the charm of its natural surroundings.

Whether you're planning a move or a visit, understanding the cost of living in Palmas will help you make informed financial decisions and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Palmas

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Palmas
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