City Comparison
Rio de Janeiro vs Brasília
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brasília is ~19% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
COL+Rent
22.1
Rent Index
10.4
Groceries
33.6
Restaurant
29.9
Brasília
Brazil
COL+Rent
17.9
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
28.5
Restaurant
23.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rio de Janeiro | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $433 | $302 | +$131 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $275 | $191 | +$84 |
| Groceries | $218 | $185 | +$33 |
| Restaurant Meal | $9 | $8 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $44 | $38 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $57 | $48 | +$9 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rio de Janeiro | Brasília |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $565/mo | $439/mo |
| Typical | $887/mo | $693/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,131/mo | $895/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rio de Janeiro | ≈ in Brasília | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,215/mo | -$285 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,620/mo | -$380 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,430/mo | -$570 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio de Janeiro or Brasília cheaper to live in?
Brasília is approximately 19% cheaper overall. Rio de Janeiro's COL+Rent Index is 22.1 vs Brasília's 17.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Rio de Janeiro vs Brasília?
A 1BR in Rio de Janeiro city center costs ~$433/mo vs $302/mo in Brasília. Outside the center: $275 vs $191.
What is $2,000/month in Rio de Janeiro worth in Brasília?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Rio de Janeiro has the purchasing power of approximately $1,620/month in Brasília.
Are groceries cheaper in Rio de Janeiro or Brasília?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $218 in Rio de Janeiro vs $185 in Brasília. Groceries Index: 33.6 vs 28.5 (NYC = 100).