Brazil (officially the Federative Republic of Brazil) is a fun, bright and diverse country with many natural wonders and exotic food culture. Deciding to move to Brazil is a big move and you’ll want to be certain of where in the country is best to settle for you and your lifestyle.
We’ll take a look at the places to live in Brazil, starting with an overview of the country below.
Best Places To Live In Brazil
City | Reason |
---|---|
São Paulo | Best for work |
Salvador | Best for affordability |
Brasilia | Best for families |
Rio de Janeiro | Best for immigrants |
João Pessoa | Best for retirement |
Natal | Best for young adults |
São Paulo, Chácara Flora | Best for students |
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro | Best for food and nightlife |
Recife | Best for singles |
Rio de Janeiro, Rua Farme de Amoedo | Best for the LGBT+ community |
Brasilia | Best for weather |
Florianópolis | Best for beaches |
Petrópolis | Best for mountains |
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Work
São Paulo is the central financial hub in Brazil as well as being renowned for its fantastic range of architecture. The economy in São Paulo is continuously growing and there are a range of sectors for expats to work in, notably telecommunications, IT, commerce and finance, as well as the automotive and food industries.
There are also jobs available to teach English as a foreign language, but the job market for expats and relocators is competitive and it’s worth having experience in your field if you’re moving and intending to find a job.
Speaking some Portuguese is vital for many jobs in São Paulo.
Brasilia is also worth considering for those looking to work when they move to Brazil. The city is the capital of Brazil with a white-collar economy.
Cheapest Places To Live in Brazil
Brazil can be a very affordable place to live with most costs associated with some of the bigger cities in the country such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro the most expensive.
Salvador is the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state, Bahia, and is famous for its many colonial Baroque churches. The city frequently has festivals and is the heart of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community.
The cost of renting or buying accommodation in Salvador depends entirely on budget, but the average cost is around £700 per month which is very affordable in comparison to Rio de Janeiro.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Families
Brazil has a culture of loving children and babies, making it a great country to decide to raise a family in.
Brasilia is one of Brazil’s most successful planned cities and is the federal capital of Brazil, located right at the centre of the country. Brasilia is full of white, modern architecture and is touted as one of Brazil’s most family-friendly cities.
Brasilia has several schooling and education options, as well as a robust public healthcare system. As one of the bigger cities in Brazil, the expat community is large and welcoming – offering parents the opportunity to find friends and community.
Sao Paulo is another great choice for families hoping to move to Brazil. The city has multiple international schools and convenient amenities for families, as well as being one of the safer cities in the country.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Immigrants
Most expats move to São Paulo as it is the financial hub of the country but for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle, Rio de Janeiro is another Brazillian city with a large expat community.
Rio de Janeiro is a large seaside city that is renowned for its natural beauty. There are vast employment opportunities in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the famed culture of the city which holds a lot of appeal for many immigrants.
Brazillian culture has a big emphasis on cultivating and indulging in happiness. Partying, football and music are all key factors of day-to-day Brazillian life and are prioritised in Rio de Janeiro.
The housing in Rio de Janeiro is affordable, though potentially more expensive than in the smaller cities, and most expats move to the Zona Sul district which sits along the seafront.
São Paulo is another fantastic choice for immigrants due to the job opportunities and size of the city. Chácara Flora is a closed neighbourhood in São Paulo that is home to many expats.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Retirement
With its sunny climate, stunning beaches and delicious cuisine, retiring in Brazil seems like a dream come true. It’s common for expats to move to the larger cities, but those seeking retirement may find themselves more comfortable elsewhere.
João Pessoa is a port city in northeastern Brazil with beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. It is also a city familiar with retirement, with many locals and expats choosing to retire here.
There are a range of attractions that make João Pessoa a stand-out city, notably the beaches and the green spaces which are perfect to wander around for an afternoon stroll.
Fortaleza is another good option for retirees – the city is also located in northeastern Brazil and is surrounded by lovely beaches and impressive red cliffs.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Young Adults
Brazil is a great country for young adults – the country has a culture of partying, fun and relaxation. As well as that, the economy is growing with job opportunities in the larger cities.
For young adults hoping for a taste of Brazil’s relaxed lifestyle, the city of Natal could be the perfect choice. The city is close to the beach and as well as the typical delights of city life, there are plenty of tourist attractions to give any resident more of a taste of what Brazil has to offer.
There is also a good nightlife scene in Natal, with live music and exciting bars lining the more lively streets. Natal is also considered one of the safer cities in Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro is another wonderful choice for young adults. The city is full of clubs, bars and restaurants as well as giving residents easy access to the coastline.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Students
Schooling in Brazil is in high demand – public schools are likely to be overcrowded and would only be a good option for those with passable Portuguese.
International schools face a similar challenge as there is so much competition for places. The best city for students settling in Brazil is São Paulo which has lots of schooling options with various international curriculums.
São Paulo has a range of international schools such as Avenues São Paulo, The British College of Brazil, The American School of São Paulo and Maple Bear Canadian School.
The international schools in São Paulo tend to be located in affluent neighbourhoods which means that finding houses could be a challenge due to long waiting lists. It’s important to start application processes early on and be prepared for potential delays!
Manaus is a city located on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil which also offers international curriculums and has both private and public schooling options.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Food and Nightlife
Brazil has a rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by different nationalities, and you’ll never run out of different dining options. The southeastern region of Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais) is known to be a foodie’s paradise.
São Paulo offers food lovers the chance to wander through packed food markets at the Mercadão Municipal and try some of the locally grown fruit or head into a local bar lining the streets for some refreshing beer and pão de queijo (a staple cheese roll that is often eaten as a snack or breakfast food).
Brazil’s culture of partying makes it the perfect country for those who are eager to get familiar with the nightlife. Rio de Janeiro is one of the best cities in the world for exciting and varied nightlife.
The Lapa neighbourhood is one of the most well-known districts in Rio de Janeiro, packed to the brim with bars, nightclubs and live music venues. Lapa has its own street party on Friday and Saturday night which makes venturing into this part of the neighbourhood similar to attending a weekend festival.
If Lapa is too fast-paced, then head to Rio’s famous Copacabana neighbourhood where you can indulge in all the delicious staple cocktails Brazil has to offer.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for Singles
Brazil is a fun country for singles; the bigger cities are packed with clubs, bars and live music venues which provide the perfect opportunities to meet new people and form a community.
Recife, the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Pernambuco, is a great city for single people. The city has a historic old town (Recife Antigo) which is a separate island from Recife, and is a lovely romantic spot for dates, while the south side has more modern restaurants, hotels and accommodation.
It’s also close to other charming spots, such as Olinda, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding areas for dating and making new friends.
São Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro are other good cities for single people as the cities are very big and filled with people of all communities.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for the LGBT+ Community
The LGBT+ community has enjoyed the same rights as the heterosexual community when it comes to marriage and adoption. Though there are queer communities within the larger cities, expressions of affection between same-sex couples may be met with disapproval.
Rio de Janeiro is a good city for members of the LGBT+ community and has an annual Pride parade. The gay neighbourhood in Rio runs along the Rua Teixeira de Melo and is next to Farme Gay Beach; it is known in Portuguese as Rua Farme de Amoedo.
Gay nightclubs and bars are well-liked in Rio de Janeiro as the partying culture is high.
São Paulo and Salvador are other Brazillian cities that have small but vibrant queer communities and would be well-suited to the members of the LGBT+ community.
Best Places To Live In Brazil for the Weather
Brazil has good temperatures all year round and the southern part of the country is the only area likely to becoming chilly or windy. A large part of Brazil is within the tropics and this dramatically influences the weather.
Brasilia is one of the best cities to relocate to as it has almost-permanent good weather, and is known locally as ‘cerrado’. Brasilia has a tropical savannah climate and two distinct seasons – rainy and sunny.
Brasilia is wet during the summer and particularly during June, July and August with January typically being the warmest month. Winters in Brazil usually run from June to September.
Manaus and Natal are two other cities with steady and warm climates.
Best Places To Live In Brazil Near Beaches
Brazil is famous for its beaches – beautifully clear water, stunning white sands and plenty of parties and nearby restaurants. There are plenty of cities along Brazil’s coastline for people to enjoy.
Florianópolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina, in the South region of Brazil. Known for its relaxed quality of life and a legendary saltwater lagoon, Florianópolis is ideal for those who want easy access to the water and a variety of beaches to choose from.
Some of the best beaches in Florianópolis are: Lagoinha do Leste, Jurere Beach and Praia do Santinho.
Rio de Janeiro is another Brazillian city famed for its beaches, in particular, Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. Rio de Janeiro is a good choice for movers who want a strong mix of city and beach life.
Best Places To Live In Brazil Near Mountains
Though perhaps best well known for its luscious rainforest and beautiful beaches, there are also spectacular mountains in Brazil, which offer dramatic views.
The best city to consider if you’re hoping to keep close to the slopes is Petrópolis, just northeast of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The city gives residents access to outdoor sports such as; hiking, trailing, mountain biking, climbing and mountaineering.
There are also natural waterfalls and lush wildlife close to the city which is ideal for those looking to keep active and spend lots of time in nature.
Teresópolis is located in the mountainous region of Região Serrana and has famed attractions such as Geneve Farm and Arabotanica. Within the city is the Serra dos Órgãos National Park.