Cost Comparison 2025

ViennavsSão Paulo

Austria
Brazil

Overall

💰

-31.4%

Vienna is 31.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-33.3%

Housing is 33.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-38.5%

Restaurants 38.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-35.7%

Food shopping 35.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vienna, Austria and São Paulo, Brazil reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vienna is more affordable than São Paulo by approximately 31.4%. 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 Vienna are higher than in São Paulo by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in São Paulo is approximately R$2,800.

Dining out in Vienna is notably more expensive compared to São Paulo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Vienna versus R$30 in São Paulo.

Public transportation in Vienna is more affordable, with monthly passes at €51 compared to R$230 in São Paulo.

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

Grocery shopping in Vienna is more expensive by approximately 56%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Vienna can expect to spend approximately €507 per month (excluding rent), while in São Paulo, the same lifestyle would cost around R$1,250. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,774 monthly in Vienna versus R$4,375 in São Paulo. 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
Vienna, Austria
São Paulo, Brazil

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
R$2,800
1BR Outside Center
€850
R$1,800
3BR City Center
€2,200
R$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
R$30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
R$150
Cappuccino
€4
R$8
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
R$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
R$5
Bread (500g)
€2
R$7
Eggs (12)
€4
R$10
Cheese (1kg)
€15
R$40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
R$4
Monthly Pass
€51
R$230
Taxi Start
€4
R$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
R$6

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€200
R$300
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
R$100
Mobile Minute
€0
R$1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from São Paulo to Vienna, 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 Vienna 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

Vienna

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vienna more expensive than São Paulo?

No, Vienna is approximately 31.4% cheaper than São Paulo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 76% of your São Paulo salary when living in Vienna. For example, if you earn $50,000 in São Paulo, you'd need about $38,043 in Vienna for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vienna and São Paulo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 63%, 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?

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

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

In Vienna, a single person needs approximately €1,357 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,374. In São Paulo, these figures are R$3,050 for singles and R$7,875 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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