Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte: An Ultimate Guide

Belo Horizonte is the sixth-largest city in Brazil, located in the south-eastern part of the country. It is known for its beautiful parks, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of cultural attractions. If you are considering moving to Belo Horizonte, it is essential to know the cost of living in this city. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the expenses you can expect to incur in Belo Horizonte.

Housing

The cost of housing in Belo Horizonte varies depending on the type and location of the property. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around BRL 1,500 ($280), while a similar apartment outside the city center costs about BRL 1,000 ($185) per month. If you are looking for a larger apartment or a house, you can expect to pay more.If you plan to buy a property in Belo Horizonte, the cost varies depending on the location and size of the property. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you can expect to pay around BRL 320,000 ($59,000), while a similar property outside the city center costs about BRL 200,000 ($37,000).

Food and Groceries

Food and groceries in Belo Horizonte are relatively affordable. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around BRL 25 ($4.50), while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs around BRL 150 ($28). If you prefer to cook your meals, a monthly grocery bill for two people is around BRL 550 ($102).

Transportation

Transportation in Belo Horizonte is relatively cheap, with a one-way ticket in public transport costing around BRL 4 ($0.75). If you prefer to use a taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber, the cost of a 5km ride is around BRL 20 ($3.70).If you plan to buy a car in Belo Horizonte, the cost of a brand new Volkswagen Golf is around BRL 105,000 ($19,500), while a liter of gasoline costs around BRL 5.50 ($1.02).

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Belo Horizonte is relatively low. The monthly cost of basic utilities, including electricity, water, heating, and garbage, for a 85m2 apartment is around BRL 400 ($74). If you plan to use the internet, the cost of a 60Mbps unlimited data plan is around BRL 110 ($20) per month.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belo Horizonte is of high quality and affordable. For a typical visit to a doctor, the cost is around BRL 200 ($37), while a dentist check-up costs around BRL 150 ($28). If you plan to buy medication, the cost of a standard antibiotic is around BRL 30 ($5.50).

Education

If you plan to enroll your child in a private school in Belo Horizonte, the cost of tuition fees is around BRL 1,500 ($280) per month. However, public education in Brazil is free and offers a high level of education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Belo Horizonte offers an affordable cost of living when compared to other major cities in Brazil. While the cost of housing can be relatively high, other expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities are reasonably priced. It is important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. However, this guide provides a general overview of the expenses you can expect to incur when living in Belo Horizonte.

The Ultimate Guide to the Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte: FAQs Answered

Are you considering moving to Belo Horizonte, Brazil? Or are you planning to study or work there? In any case, understanding the cost of living in a new city is crucial to plan your budget properly. In this ultimate guide, we’ve compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Belo Horizonte.

What is Belo Horizonte?

Belo Horizonte is the capital city of the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil. It’s the sixth-largest city in Brazil with a population of around 2.5 million people in the urban area. The city was planned and built in the late 19th century to replace the old capital of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto. Belo Horizonte is known for its lively cultural scene, historic architecture, and lush parks.

What is the currency used in Belo Horizonte?

The currency used in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL), often signified by the symbol R$. At the time of writing, $1 USD is equivalent to around R$5.20, €1 EUR to R$6.20, £1 GBP to R$7.20, and 1 CAD to R$4.00.

What is the average cost of living in Belo Horizonte?

The cost of living in Belo Horizonte is generally lower than in other major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, it’s still higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, a single person’s monthly expenses excluding rent can range from R$1,300 to R$2,100. The cost of living for a family of four can range from R$4,700 to R$7,500 a month.

What are the average housing costs in Belo Horizonte?

The cost of housing in Belo Horizonte varies widely depending on the neighborhood and type of accommodation. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from R$1,000 to R$2,200 a month, while rent for a three-bedroom apartment can range from R$2,300 to R$4,500.

Alternatively, buying an apartment in Belo Horizonte can cost between R$4,000 and R$8,000 per square meter. The average price of a 120m² apartment in the city center is around R$902,400, while the price of the same property outside the city center drops to around R$634,800.

What is the cost of transportation in Belo Horizonte?

The cost of transportation in Belo Horizonte is quite low compared to other Brazilian cities. A one-way ticket on public transport can cost around R$4.50, while a monthly pass costs around R$166. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and 99Taxi are also available and charge similar prices to other major Brazilian cities.

What is the cost of food and groceries in Belo Horizonte?

The cost of food and groceries in Belo Horizonte can range from R$320 to R$800 for a single person per month. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around R$22 to R$35, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around R$120 to R$200.

On average, 1kg of rice costs around R$4.50, 1kg of chicken breast around R$10.50, 1kg of tomatoes around R$3.50, 1kg of potatoes around R$3.20, and 1l of milk around R$3.70.

What is the cost of healthcare in Belo Horizonte?

Healthcare in Belo Horizonte is provided by both public and private systems. The public system is free for Brazilian citizens and residents, but it’s often overcrowded and has long waiting times. Private healthcare is available and can range from R$150 to R$500 per consultation. It’s recommended to have health insurance while living in Brazil.

What is the cost of education in Belo Horizonte?

Education in Brazil is mandatory and free for children between 4 and 17 years old. Private schools are also available and can range from R$600 to R$2,000 per month. Higher education is available in Belo Horizonte, and tuition fees can range from R$1,000 to R$2,500 per month, depending on the institution and program.

What are the taxes in Belo Horizonte?

The main taxes in Brazil are the Income Tax (IR), Social Security Contribution (INSS), and Value-Added Tax (VAT). The Income Tax rate ranges from 0% to 27.5%, depending on the income level. The Social Security Contribution is usually 11% of the salary for employees, and the employer also contributes 20% of the salary.

The Value-Added Tax, known as Imposto sobre Operações relativas à Circulação de Mercadorias e sobre Prestações de Serviços de Transporte Interestadual e Intermunicipal e de Comunicação (ICMS), varies by state and can range from 7% to 25%, depending on the product or service.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cost of living in Belo Horizonte is crucial before moving to the city or planning to study or work there. While the cost of living is generally lower than in other Brazilian cities, it’s still important to budget properly and plan for expenses like housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and education.

We hope this ultimate guide has answered the most frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Belo Horizonte and provided you with valuable insights to plan your budget and make informed decisions.