Cost Of Living in Recife 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Recife

Whether you're living in Recife or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

15,000 BRL

per month
$3,000

1,100 BRL   $230
$30,000   150,000 BRL

Single

10,000 BRL

per month
$2,100

3,400 BRL   $700
$14,000   69,000 BRL

Couple

17,000 BRL

per month
$3,500

5,700 BRL   $1,200
$19,000   92,000 BRL

Family

23,000 BRL

per month
$4,600

8,000 BRL   $1,600
$25,000   130,000 BRL

Student

7,100 BRL

per month
$1,400

2,800 BRL   $570
$2,600   13,000 BRL
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Recife is 10,000 BRL. Expenses can range from 3,400 BRL at the minimum level to 69,000 BRL at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Recife is 17,000 BRL. Expenditure can range from 5,700 BRL to 92,000 BRL per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Recife is 23,000 BRL per month. Families spend anywhere from 8,000 BRL to 130,000 BRL.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Recife is 7,100 BRL. Students spend from 2,800 BRL to 13,000 BRL per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Recife


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1.8 BRL 2 BRL 2.3 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.40 $0.46
Fast food combo meal
15 BRL 30 BRL 50 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $6 $10
Restaurant meal for one
51 BRL 77 BRL 150 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $15 $31
Fine dining meal for one
100 BRL 150 BRL 610 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $31 $120
Soda or Soft Drink
2.1 BRL 2.5 BRL 3 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.50 $0.60
Cappuccino or latte
12 BRL 20 BRL 30 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $4 $6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
10 BRL 12 BRL 15 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.4 $3
Loaf of bread
1.8 BRL 2 BRL 2.4 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.41 $0.48
12 eggs
7.5 BRL 10 BRL 15 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3
Fresh whole chicken
17 BRL 22 BRL 31 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.4 $6.3
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
20 BRL 30 BRL 60 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6 $12
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
8 BRL 11 BRL 16 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.2 $3.1
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
3 BRL 4 BRL 7.5 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.80 $1.5
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
5.3 BRL 7 BRL 11 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2.3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
13 BRL 15 BRL 31 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.1 $6.2
Average car full tank
75 BRL 100 BRL 200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $40
Average car 1-day rental
78 BRL 100 BRL 160 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $32
Average car price
37,000 BRL 75,000 BRL 100,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,500 $15,000 $20,000
Bus ticket one way
2.6 BRL 3.9 BRL 7.8 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.79 $1.6
Car Service
100 BRL 160 BRL 310 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $63

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
210 BRL 620 BRL 4,100 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $130 $830
Utility Bill - Couple
290 BRL 860 BRL 4,600 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $170 $930
Utility Bill - Family
240 BRL 690 BRL 3,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $140 $760
Internet and cable
75 BRL 150 BRL 200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $30 $40
Mobile phone charges
60 BRL 100 BRL 300 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $20 $60

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
37 BRL 50 BRL 75 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $15
One month gym membership
130 BRL 160 BRL 310 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $32 $63

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
92 BRL 130 BRL 200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $26 $40
Woman dress
87 BRL 120 BRL 390 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $24 $79
Woman shoes
83 BRL 110 BRL 260 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $53
Men's shoes
71 BRL 87 BRL 170 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $35
Men suit
78 BRL 98 BRL 520 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $110
Regular t-shirt
39 BRL 52 BRL 160 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $11 $32

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,300 BRL 2,000 BRL 5,200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
2,000 BRL 3,100 BRL 7,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $630 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
2,600 BRL 3,900 BRL 10,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $790 $2,100

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
260,000 BRL 390,000 BRL 780,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53,000 $79,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
310,000 BRL 520,000 BRL 2M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63,000 $110,000 $400,000
2-bedroom apartment
520,000 BRL 1.6M BRL 3.1M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $320,000 $630,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,500 BRL 1,900 BRL 2,500 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $380 $500
Double Bed
1,000 BRL 1,500 BRL 1,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $380
Single Bed
880 BRL 1,100 BRL 1,500 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $230 $300
Living Room
1,700 BRL 2,100 BRL 7,500 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $430 $1,500
Dining Table
750 BRL 1,000 BRL 1,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $200 $380
Sofa or Couch
1,000 BRL 1,400 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $270 $600

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
1,000 BRL 1,500 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $600
Fridge or Freezer
880 BRL 1,400 BRL 1,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $270 $380
Washing Machine
1,100 BRL 1,700 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $330 $600
Stove or Cooker
1,100 BRL 1,400 BRL 1,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $270 $380
Mobile Phone
1,200 BRL 1,500 BRL 2,100 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $300 $430
Laptop or Computer
1,400 BRL 1,700 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $600

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Recife

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

87%

77% to 96%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Recife is 87% This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
87%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
91%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
100%

How do people spend their money in Recife?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$70   340 BRL
AVERAGE$900   4,500 BRL
HIGH$9,000   45,000 BRL
Per Month

People living in Recife typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,500 BRL with expenditure ranging from 340 BRL to 45,000 BRL. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$12   57 BRL
AVERAGE$150   750 BRL
HIGH$1,500   7,500 BRL
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Recife ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 750 BRL with 57 BRL and 7,500 BRL being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$23   110 BRL
AVERAGE$300   1,500 BRL
HIGH$3,000   15,000 BRL
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 110 BRL to 15,000 BRL on commuting with 1,500 BRL being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$58   290 BRL
AVERAGE$750   3,700 BRL
HIGH$7,500   37,000 BRL
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Recife is 3,700 BRL. The cost of groceries can range between 290 BRL to 37,000 BRL. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$16   80 BRL
AVERAGE$210   1,000 BRL
HIGH$2,100   10,000 BRL
Per Month

People in Recife allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 80 BRL to 10,000 BRL with 1,000 BRL being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$9.3   46 BRL
AVERAGE$120   600 BRL
HIGH$1,200   6,000 BRL
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 46 BRL to 6,000 BRL with 600 BRL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$14   69 BRL
AVERAGE$180   900 BRL
HIGH$1,800   9,000 BRL
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 900 BRL per month with 69 BRL being the minimum spent amount and 9,000 BRL being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$30   150 BRL
AVERAGE$390   1,900 BRL
HIGH$3,900   19,000 BRL
Per Month

How much money can you save in Recife every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Recife manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
70%
Not Saving
30%

Almost 70% of the surveyed people in Recife said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 30% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Recife

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles70%30%
Couples65%35%
Families60%40%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

420 BRL
$85
5,500 BRL
$1,100
55,000 BRL
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 35% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 23% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,500 BRL on average with savings ranging from 420 BRL to 55,000 BRL.

70% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 65% of couples said the same. 60% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Recife?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 27% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,300 BRL
$250
3,800 BRL
$760
25,000 BRL
$5,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,800 BRL with 1,300 BRL and 25,000 BRL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 BRL
$420
6,300 BRL
$1,300
34,000 BRL
$6,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 36% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 6,300 BRL with 2,100 BRL and 34,000 BRL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,900 BRL
$590
8,400 BRL
$1,700
46,000 BRL
$9,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Recife can save anywhere between 13% to 31% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 8,400 BRL with 2,900 BRL and 46,000 BRL being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Recife

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Recife?


Yes
72%
No
28%

Around 72% of surveyed residents think that living in Recife is affordable with proper budgeting while 28% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Recife

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%


Based on the survey, 64% of the people living in Recife have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Recife whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes72%

No28%


Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Recife said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Brazil

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy64%


We asked residents of Brazil whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 36% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 64% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Brazil have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 26% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 74% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance26%

Easily manages finances74%

Financial goals of people in Recife

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Recife, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction38%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 38% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Recife

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Recife. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Recife

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Recife

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Recife and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Brazil is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Recife:
AgeAmount
2541,000 BRL
3082,000 BRL
35140,000 BRL
40200,000 BRL
45310,000 BRL
50430,000 BRL
55510,000 BRL
60630,000 BRL
65750,000 BRL

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Recife about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job12%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Recife

2,500 BRL
$510
7,500 BRL
$1,500
50,000 BRL
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Recife


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Recife have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Recife

Debt to income ratio

29%

20% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Recife goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%15%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Recife pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Recife

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan40%

11% of debtors in Recife confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Recife.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Recife

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Recife how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Recife

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Recife

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,300 BRL 2,000 BRL 5,200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
2,000 BRL 3,100 BRL 7,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $630 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
2,600 BRL 3,900 BRL 10,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $790 $2,100
3-bedroom apartment
3,100 BRL 5,200 BRL 14,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$630 $1,100 $2,900
Furnished apartment
6,300 BRL 16,000 BRL 31,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,200 $6,300
Townhouse
5,200 BRL 7,800 BRL 22,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,600 $4,500
House
6,300 BRL 16,000 BRL 31,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,200 $6,300
Villa
7,800 BRL 20,000 BRL 31,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $6,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Recife ranges between 1,300 BRL and 5,200 BRL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,000 BRL to 7,800 BRL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,600 BRL and 10,000 BRL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,100 BRL to 14,000 BRL. The average rent of a townhouse in Recife is around 7,800 BRL while house rental costs can be as high as 16,000 BRL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,800 BRL to 31,000 BRL per month.



Apartment and house prices in Recife

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
260,000 BRL 390,000 BRL 780,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53,000 $79,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
310,000 BRL 520,000 BRL 2M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63,000 $110,000 $400,000
2-bedroom apartment
520,000 BRL 1.6M BRL 3.1M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $320,000 $630,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.7M BRL 2.6M BRL 7.8M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350,000 $530,000 $1.6M
Townhouse
2.2M BRL 5.2M BRL 20M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450,000 $1.1M $4M
House
2.6M BRL 16M BRL 22M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530,000 $3.2M $4.5M
Villa
3.1M BRL 17M BRL 26M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$630,000 $3.5M $5.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Recife can range from 260,000 BRL to 780,000 BRL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 310,000 BRL to 2M BRL. A villa can cost you 17M BRL on average with prices ranging from 3.1M BRL to 26M BRL.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Recife will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


45 x131 monthly income 225
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Recife can be x131 to x225 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x131 multiples of the average monthly salary in Recife.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 35% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Recife is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 45% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


23 BRL 300 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Recife

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$250   1,200 BRL
AVERAGE$750   3,700 BRL
HIGH$5,000   25,000 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$42   210 BRL
AVERAGE$130   620 BRL
HIGH$830   4,100 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$56   280 BRL
AVERAGE$170   830 BRL
HIGH$1,100   5,500 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$110   550 BRL
AVERAGE$330   1,700 BRL
HIGH$2,200   11,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$63   310 BRL
AVERAGE$190   930 BRL
HIGH$1,300   6,200 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$35   170 BRL
AVERAGE$100   520 BRL
HIGH$700   3,400 BRL
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$14   69 BRL
AVERAGE$42   210 BRL
HIGH$280   1,400 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$130   620 BRL
AVERAGE$380   1,900 BRL
HIGH$2,500   12,000 BRL
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Recife

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$380   1,900 BRL
AVERAGE$1,100   5,700 BRL
HIGH$6,100   30,000 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$58   290 BRL
AVERAGE$170   860 BRL
HIGH$930   4,600 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$140   690 BRL
AVERAGE$420   2,100 BRL
HIGH$2,200   11,000 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$160   800 BRL
AVERAGE$490   2,400 BRL
HIGH$2,600   13,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$130   630 BRL
AVERAGE$380   1,900 BRL
HIGH$2,000   10,000 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$70   340 BRL
AVERAGE$210   1,000 BRL
HIGH$1,100   5,500 BRL
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$23   110 BRL
AVERAGE$70   340 BRL
HIGH$370   1,800 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$200   980 BRL
AVERAGE$590   2,900 BRL
HIGH$3,200   16,000 BRL
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Recife

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$520   2,600 BRL
AVERAGE$1,500   7,300 BRL
HIGH$8,200   40,000 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$130   640 BRL
AVERAGE$370   1,800 BRL
HIGH$2,000   10,000 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$290   1,400 BRL
AVERAGE$830   4,100 BRL
HIGH$4,600   23,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$130   640 BRL
AVERAGE$370   1,800 BRL
HIGH$2,000   10,000 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$81   400 BRL
AVERAGE$230   1,100 BRL
HIGH$1,300   6,300 BRL
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$230   1,100 BRL
AVERAGE$650   3,200 BRL
HIGH$3,600   18,000 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$190   960 BRL
AVERAGE$560   2,800 BRL
HIGH$3,100   15,000 BRL
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Recife

Housing19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$140   680 BRL
AVERAGE$340   1,700 BRL
HIGH$610   3,000 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$23   110 BRL
AVERAGE$57   280 BRL
HIGH$100   510 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$40   200 BRL
AVERAGE$100   490 BRL
HIGH$180   890 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$110   560 BRL
AVERAGE$280   1,400 BRL
HIGH$510   2,500 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$34   170 BRL
AVERAGE$85   420 BRL
HIGH$150   760 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$28   140 BRL
AVERAGE$71   350 BRL
HIGH$130   630 BRL
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$110   540 BRL
AVERAGE$270   1,300 BRL
HIGH$490   2,400 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$85   420 BRL
AVERAGE$210   1,100 BRL
HIGH$380   1,900 BRL
Per Month
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