Table of Contents
Brazil’s economy continues to expand, with a projected GDP of $2.31 trillion in 2025. Inflation remained moderate at 4.3% in 2024, which has influenced the cost of living. The average monthly income reached 3,285 BRL in 2025, growing steadily at an annual rate of around 2.3%.
Despite wage growth, the cost of living has also increased, reaching 3,300 BRL per month in 2025. Housing remains the largest expense at 1,000 BRL (30% of total costs), followed by food at 800 BRL (24%). The increase in housing and food costs has been gradual, with annual growth rates of about 2.3% in recent years.
Overall, while incomes have kept pace with inflation, affordability remains a challenge, especially in urban centers like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where housing costs are significantly higher.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Brazil’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Explore detailed insights on wages, inflation, and other expenses.
Country Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Brasília |
| Population | 214 million (2024) |
| Currency | Brazilian Real (BRL) |
| Official Language | Portuguese |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $2,307.16 Billion |
| Inflation Rate (2024) | 4.3% |
| Average Monthly Income (2025) | 3,285 BRL |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
Note: Costs are presented in BRL.
| Expense Category | Cost (BRL) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 1,000 | 30% |
| Food | 800 | 24% |
| Transportation | 300 | 9% |
| Utilities | 200 | 6% |
| Healthcare | 250 | 7.5% |
| Entertainment | 300 | 9% |
| Miscellaneous | 450 | 13.5% |
| Total | 3,300 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
Note: Income data is presented in BRL.
| Year | Income (BRL) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,500 | — |
| 2011 | 1,550 | 3.3% |
| 2012 | 1,600 | 3.2% |
| 2013 | 1,650 | 3.1% |
| 2014 | 1,700 | 3.0% |
| 2015 | 1,750 | 2.9% |
| 2016 | 1,800 | 2.9% |
| 2017 | 1,850 | 2.8% |
| 2018 | 1,900 | 2.7% |
| 2019 | 1,950 | 2.6% |
| 2020 | 2,000 | 2.6% |
| 2021 | 2,050 | 2.5% |
| 2022 | 2,100 | 2.4% |
| 2023 | 2,150 | 2.4% |
| 2024 | 2,200 | 2.3% |
| 2025 | 2,250 | 2.3% |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
Note: Costs are presented in BRL.
| Year | Living Cost (BRL) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,000 | — |
| 2011 | 2,060 | 3.0% |
| 2012 | 2,120 | 2.9% |
| 2013 | 2,180 | 2.8% |
| 2014 | 2,240 | 2.8% |
| 2015 | 2,300 | 2.7% |
| 2016 | 2,360 | 2.6% |
| 2017 | 2,420 | 2.5% |
| 2018 | 2,480 | 2.5% |
| 2019 | 2,540 | 2.4% |
| 2020 | 2,600 | 2.4% |
| 2021 | 2,660 | 2.3% |
| 2022 | 2,720 | 2.3% |
| 2023 | 2,780 | 2.2% |
| 2024 | 2,840 | 2.2% |
| 2025 | 2,900 | 2.1% |
Breakdown of Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025) and Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Note: Costs are presented in BRL.
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (BRL) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 600 | — |
| 2011 | 620 | 3.3% |
| 2012 | 640 | 3.2% |
| 2013 | 660 | 3.1% |
| 2014 | 680 | 3.0% |
| 2015 | 700 | 2.9% |
| 2016 | 720 | 2.9% |
| 2017 | 740 | 2.8% |
| 2018 | 760 | 2.7% |
| 2019 | 780 | 2.6% |
| 2020 | 800 | 2.6% |
| 2021 | 820 | 2.5% |
| 2022 | 840 | 2.4% |
| 2023 | 860 | 2.4% |
| 2024 | 880 | 2.3% |
| 2025 | 900 | 2.3% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (BRL) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 400 | — |
| 2011 | 412 | 3.0% |
| 2012 | 424 | 2.9% |
| 2013 | 436 | 2.8% |
| 2014 | 448 | 2.8% |
| 2015 | 460 | 2.7% |
| 2016 | 472 | 2.6% |
| 2017 | 484 | 2.5% |
| 2018 | 496 | 2.5% |
| 2019 | 508 | 2.4% |
| 2020 | 520 | 2.4% |
| 2021 | 532 | 2.3% |
| 2022 | 544 | 2.3% |
| 2023 | 556 | 2.2% |
| 2024 | 568 | 2.2% |
| 2025 | 580 | 2.1% |
Conclusion
Brazil has seen steady economic growth over the years, with rising wages and inflationary pressures impacting the cost of living. Housing remains the largest expense, especially in major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. However, food and transportation costs have remained relatively stable, making Brazil an affordable country compared to many Western nations.
While inflation has fluctuated over the years, government policies and economic reforms have helped maintain financial stability. The cost of living remains manageable, especially outside major urban centers.
Sources:
Numbeo – numbeo.com
World Bank – data.worldbank.org
OECD – oecd.org
IMF – imf.org
Statista – statista.com
