Cost Comparison 2025

Rio de JaneirovsEdmonton

Brazil
Canada

Overall

💰

+51.1%

Rio de Janeiro is 51.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.7%

Housing is 60.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+84.2%

Restaurants 84.2% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+85.7%

Food shopping 85.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive than Edmonton by approximately 51.1%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Rio de Janeiro are lower than in Edmonton by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rio de Janeiro's city center costs around R$2,500, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Rio de Janeiro offers significant savings compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs R$30 in Rio de Janeiro versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro is more expensive, with monthly passes at R$190 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Purchasing power in Edmonton is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Rio de Janeiro.

Grocery shopping in Rio de Janeiro is more affordable by approximately 46%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Rio de Janeiro can expect to spend approximately R$1,114 per month (excluding rent), while in Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about R$3,899 monthly in Rio de Janeiro versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
R$2,500
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
R$1,600
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
R$5,000
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
R$30
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
R$140
CA$80
Cappuccino
R$7
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
R$8
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
R$5
CA$2
Bread (500g)
R$7
CA$3
Eggs (12)
R$9
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
R$38
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
R$5
CA$4
Monthly Pass
R$190
CA$100
Taxi Start
R$6
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
R$6
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
R$250
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
R$90
CA$75
Mobile Minute
R$1
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Rio de Janeiro to Edmonton, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Edmonton to Rio de Janeiro requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Rio de Janeiro

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index32

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro more expensive than Edmonton?

Yes, Rio de Janeiro is approximately 51.1% more expensive than Edmonton overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Rio de Janeiro compared to Edmonton?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.5x of your Edmonton salary when living in Rio de Janeiro. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $75,556 in Rio de Janeiro for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Rio de Janeiro and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 46%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Edmonton provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Rio de Janeiro if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Edmonton for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Rio de Janeiro vs Edmonton?

In Rio de Janeiro, a single person needs approximately R$2,714 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about R$6,899. In Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Edmonton in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Rio de Janeiro

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers