Cost Comparison 2025

Rio de JaneirovsPortland

Brazil
United States

Overall

💰

+82.2%

Rio de Janeiro is 82.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+107.1%

Housing is 107.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+110.5%

Restaurants 110.5% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+102.4%

Food shopping 102.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Portland, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive than Portland by approximately 82.2%. 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 Portland by 52%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rio de Janeiro's city center costs around R$2,500, while the same in Portland is approximately $1,800.

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

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

Purchasing power in Portland 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 51%. 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 Portland, the same lifestyle would cost around $608. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about R$3,899 monthly in Rio de Janeiro versus $2,129 in Portland. 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
Portland, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
R$2,500
$1,800
1BR Outside Center
R$1,600
$1,400
3BR City Center
R$5,000
$3,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
R$30
$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
R$140
$85
Cappuccino
R$7
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
R$8
$6

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
R$5
$3
Monthly Pass
R$190
$100
Taxi Start
R$6
$4
Gasoline (1L)
R$6
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
R$250
$125
Internet (60 Mbps)
R$90
$65
Mobile Minute
R$1
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Rio de Janeiro to Portland, 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 Portland 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

Portland

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro more expensive than Portland?

Yes, Rio de Janeiro is approximately 82.2% more expensive than Portland overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your Portland salary when living in Rio de Janeiro. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Portland, you'd need about $91,111 in Rio de Janeiro for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 53%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Portland, these figures are $2,008 for singles and $4,529 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Portland 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 Portland to maintain your lifestyle from Rio de Janeiro

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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