Coming from Chicago and moving to Brazil, can anyone give me a decent idea of how the cost of living compares? If you're not familiar with Chicago, just work on a medium/large fairly expensive US city.
The cost of living in Sao Paulo is definitely higher than Chicago, contrary to what you may expect. Or perhaps, it wold be better to say, that things seem more expensive relative to the smaller salaries of Sao Paulo. Accommodation can be pricey and many expats (the single ones at least) find themselves having to compromise and take a shared flat with one or even two other people. Also, simple little entertainment activities, like going out to eat, having a few cocktails at a bar and catching a film at the local movie house is more expensive (as a percentage of the money you'll be making).
Also, electronics can be really costly, so if you're an Apple fanatic or a crazy techie early adaptor it's best to buy in Chicago and bring those items with.
The only thing that seems cheaper in Sao Paulo is the service sector. So, hiring a housekeeper and going to the salon are all really affordable.
Also, electronics can be really costly, so if you're an Apple fanatic or a crazy techie early adaptor it's best to buy in Chicago and bring those items with.
The only thing that seems cheaper in Sao Paulo is the service sector. So, hiring a housekeeper and going to the salon are all really affordable.