Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Brazil · South America
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
34
Rent Index
NYC=100
60
Quality of Life
Moderate
32
Safety Index
Poor
2.7M
Population
BRL
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $21 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1 |
| Monthly Pass | $40 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.02 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $78 |
| Mobile Plan | $14 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $24 |
| Fitness Club/month | $29 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $580/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $380/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,350/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,600/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,550/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $820 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11.5% |
Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Belo Horizonte has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Belo Horizonte costs around $380/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $580/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,350/month. The rent index is 34 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Belo Horizonte scores 60/100 on the quality of life index and 32/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 62/100. The climate index is 74/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Belo Horizonte is approximately $820/month. With a purchasing power index of 48/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BRL, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Belo Horizonte
The average monthly salary in Belo Horizonte is approximately $820. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,200, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 48/100.
Healthcare Costs in Belo Horizonte
Healthcare quality in Belo Horizonte is rated 62/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte has a quality of life score of 60/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Belo Horizonte
Students living in Belo Horizonte should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Belo Horizonte
Expats moving to Belo Horizonte often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 38 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Belo Horizonte
Living in Belo Horizonte offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 38 and a quality of life score of 60/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $820 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Belo Horizonte provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Brazil and around the world.
Key Facts About Belo Horizonte
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,200
- Cost Index: 38
- Rent Index: 34
- Average Salary: $820
- Quality of Life: 60/100
- Safety Score: 32/100
- Country: Brazil
- Currency: BRL
Is Belo Horizonte Expensive?
Belo Horizonte has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Belo Horizonte compare to other cities?
Belo Horizonte is located in South America with a population of approximately 2.7M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Belo Horizonte stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Belo Horizonte?
The average cost of living in Belo Horizonte, Brazil is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Belo Horizonte?
Rent in Belo Horizonte varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 34 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Belo Horizonte alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Belo Horizonte expensive to live in?
Belo Horizonte has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, Belo Horizonte is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,200.
What is the quality of life in Belo Horizonte?
Belo Horizonte has a quality of life index of 60/100 and a safety index of 32/100. The city is located in South America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Belo Horizonte compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Belo Horizonte with any city worldwide. Belo Horizonte's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Belo Horizonte?
Many residents live comfortably in Belo Horizonte with a monthly budget of around $1,200 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Belo Horizonte good for expats?
Belo Horizonte is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Belo Horizonte?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,200 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Belo Horizonte.
Is Belo Horizonte cheaper than New York?
Yes, Belo Horizonte has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Belo Horizonte?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Belo Horizonte.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Belo Horizonte
Cheapest Ways to Live in Belo Horizonte
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Belo Horizonte typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $380/month compared to $580/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Is Belo Horizonte Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 48/100 and a quality of life score of 60/100, Belo Horizonte is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 38 relative to New York City, Belo Horizonte remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Brazil has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Belo Horizonte Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Belo Horizonte", "Belo Horizonte monthly expenses 2026", and "is Belo Horizonte affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,200, a safety score of 32/100, and healthcare rated 62/100, Belo Horizonte offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Brazil.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Belo Horizonte vs Berlin
Cost of living comparison
Belo Horizonte vs Dubai
Cost of living comparison
Belo Horizonte vs Hong Kong
Cost of living comparison
Belo Horizonte vs New York
Cost of living comparison
Cost of Living in Brazil
Country living costs
Compare CitiesCity RankingsCountry RankingsMethodologyAbout UsCalculatorLast reviewed: 7/15/2026