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Cost of Living in Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil · Population 5,328,000

▲ +22% vs Brazil average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R$2,956 ($547)
Couple, monthlyR$5,263 ($975)
Family of four, monthlyR$6,823 ($1,264)

Estimated Prices in Belo Horizonte

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR$31.10 ($5.76)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR$124 ($23.04)per meal
CappuccinoR$9.33 ($1.73)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R$705 ($131)per month
Monthly public transport passR$114 ($21.12)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR$301 ($55.68)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R$87.09 ($16.13)per month
Fitness club membershipR$87.09 ($16.13)per month
Cinema ticketR$22.81 ($4.22)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR$1,268 ($235)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR$882 ($163)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR$2,647 ($490)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Belo Horizonte is R$4,493 ($832) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R$2,956 ($547) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R$3,843 ($712) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R$882 ($163)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte vs São PauloBelo Horizonte vs Rio de JaneiroBelo Horizonte vs FortalezaBelo Horizonte vs BrasíliaBelo Horizonte vs TeresinaBelo Horizonte vs Salvador

Nearby Cities

Contagem

12 km away · Minas Gerais

Nova Lima

12 km away · Minas Gerais

Sabará

15 km away · Minas Gerais

Raposos

15 km away · Minas Gerais

Ibirité

16 km away · Minas Gerais

Santa Luzia

20 km away · Minas Gerais

Ribeirão das Neves

23 km away · Minas Gerais

Rio Acima

24 km away · Minas Gerais

Other Major Cities in Brazil

São Paulo

São Paulo · pop. 23,086,000

R$3,006 ($557) / mo

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro · pop. 12,592,000

R$2,956 ($547) / mo

Fortaleza

Ceará · pop. 4,167,996

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Brasília

Distrito Federal · pop. 2,996,899

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Teresina

Piauí · pop. 2,729,527

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Salvador

Bahia · pop. 2,417,678

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Manaus

Amazonas · pop. 2,303,732

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Campinas

São Paulo · pop. 2,184,952

R$2,610 ($483) / mo

Living in Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is one of the key cities in Brazil. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R$2,956 ($547), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R$882 ($163) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R$6,823 ($1,264) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R$5,263 ($975) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Belo Horizonte is R$4,493 ($832). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R$3,843 ($712) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belo Horizonte expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R$2,956 ($547) per month in Belo Horizonte including rent outside the city centre. That is 22% more than the national average for Brazil.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Belo Horizonte?
A net salary of around R$3,843 ($712) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Belo Horizonte with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Belo Horizonte is R$4,493 ($832).
How much is rent in Belo Horizonte?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R$1,268 ($235) per month in the city centre and R$882 ($163) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R$2,647 ($490).
Is Belo Horizonte cheaper than Brazil on average?
No — Belo Horizonte is estimated to be about 22% more expensive than the Brazil average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Belo Horizonte?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R$705 ($131) in Belo Horizonte. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R$31 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around R$9 ($2).
How do transport costs in Belo Horizonte compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Belo Horizonte is estimated at R$114 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Belo Horizonte are estimates based on Brazil national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,328,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.