Cost Comparison 2025

São PaulovsTel Aviv

Brazil
Israel

Overall

💰

+87.5%

São Paulo is 87.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+133.3%

Housing is 133.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

+137.5%

Restaurants 137.5% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+88.9%

Food shopping 88.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between São Paulo, Brazil and Tel Aviv, Israel reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that São Paulo is more expensive than Tel Aviv by approximately 87.5%. 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 São Paulo are lower than in Tel Aviv by 57%. A one-bedroom apartment in São Paulo's city center costs around R$2,800, while the same in Tel Aviv is approximately ₪6,000.

Dining out in São Paulo offers significant savings compared to Tel Aviv. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs R$30 in São Paulo versus ₪60 in Tel Aviv.

Public transportation in São Paulo is more expensive, with monthly passes at R$230 compared to ₪213 in Tel Aviv.

Purchasing power in Tel Aviv is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to São Paulo.

Grocery shopping in São Paulo is more affordable by approximately 47%. 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 São Paulo can expect to spend approximately R$1,250 per month (excluding rent), while in Tel Aviv, the same lifestyle would cost around ₪2,001. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about R$4,375 monthly in São Paulo versus ₪7,004 in Tel Aviv. 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
São Paulo, Brazil
Tel Aviv, Israel

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
R$2,800
₪6,000
1BR Outside Center
R$1,800
₪4,500
3BR City Center
R$5,500
₪10,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
R$30
₪60
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
R$150
₪300
Cappuccino
R$8
₪15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
R$10
₪30

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
R$5
₪6
Bread (500g)
R$7
₪8
Eggs (12)
R$10
₪15
Cheese (1kg)
R$40
₪50

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
R$4
₪6
Monthly Pass
R$230
₪213
Taxi Start
R$5
₪12
Gasoline (1L)
R$6
₪8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
R$300
₪550
Internet (60 Mbps)
R$100
₪100
Mobile Minute
R$1
₪0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from São Paulo to Tel Aviv, 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 Tel Aviv to São Paulo 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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Tel Aviv

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Paulo more expensive than Tel Aviv?

Yes, São Paulo is approximately 87.5% more expensive than Tel Aviv overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in São Paulo compared to Tel Aviv?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Tel Aviv salary when living in São Paulo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tel Aviv, you'd need about $93,750 in São Paulo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between São Paulo and Tel Aviv?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 58%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for São Paulo vs Tel Aviv?

In São Paulo, a single person needs approximately R$3,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about R$7,875. In Tel Aviv, these figures are ₪6,501 for singles and ₪14,504 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between São Paulo and Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv to maintain your lifestyle from São Paulo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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