City Comparison
Brasília vs Rio de Janeiro
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brasília is ~19% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brasília
Brazil
COL+Rent
17.9
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
28.5
Restaurant
23.9
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
COL+Rent
22.1
Rent Index
10.4
Groceries
33.6
Restaurant
29.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brasília | Rio de Janeiro | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $302 | $433 | $131 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $191 | $275 | $84 |
| Groceries | $185 | $218 | $33 |
| Restaurant Meal | $8 | $9 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $38 | $44 | $6 |
| Utilities | $48 | $57 | $9 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brasília | Rio de Janeiro |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $439/mo | $565/mo |
| Typical | $693/mo | $887/mo |
| Comfortable | $895/mo | $1,131/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brasília | ≈ in Rio de Janeiro | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,852/mo | +$352 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,469/mo | +$469 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,704/mo | +$704 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brasília or Rio de Janeiro cheaper to live in?
Brasília is approximately 19% cheaper overall. Brasília's COL+Rent Index is 17.9 vs Rio de Janeiro's 22.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Brasília vs Rio de Janeiro?
A 1BR in Brasília city center costs ~$302/mo vs $433/mo in Rio de Janeiro. Outside the center: $191 vs $275.
What is $2,000/month in Brasília worth in Rio de Janeiro?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Brasília has the purchasing power of approximately $2,469/month in Rio de Janeiro.
Are groceries cheaper in Brasília or Rio de Janeiro?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $185 in Brasília vs $218 in Rio de Janeiro. Groceries Index: 28.5 vs 33.6 (NYC = 100).