Cost Of Living in Sao Luis 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Sao Luis

Whether you're living in Sao Luis 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

14,000 BRL

per month
$2,800

1,100 BRL   $220
$28,000   140,000 BRL

Single

9,700 BRL

per month
$2,000

3,200 BRL   $660
$13,000   65,000 BRL

Couple

16,000 BRL

per month
$3,300

5,400 BRL   $1,100
$17,000   87,000 BRL

Family

22,000 BRL

per month
$4,400

7,600 BRL   $1,500
$24,000   120,000 BRL

Student

6,600 BRL

per month
$1,300

2,700 BRL   $540
$2,400   12,000 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 Sao Luis is 9,700 BRL. Expenses can range from 3,200 BRL at the minimum level to 65,000 BRL at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Sao Luis is 16,000 BRL. Expenditure can range from 5,400 BRL to 87,000 BRL per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Sao Luis is 22,000 BRL per month. Families spend anywhere from 7,600 BRL to 120,000 BRL.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Sao Luis is 6,600 BRL. Students spend from 2,700 BRL to 12,000 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 Sao Luis


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1.7 BRL 2 BRL 2.3 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.40 $0.46
Fast food combo meal
15 BRL 30 BRL 49 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $6 $9.9
Restaurant meal for one
49 BRL 74 BRL 150 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $15 $30
Fine dining meal for one
99 BRL 150 BRL 590 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $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
9.9 BRL 12 BRL 15 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.4 $3
Loaf of bread
1.8 BRL 2 BRL 2.3 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.41 $0.47
12 eggs
7.4 BRL 9.9 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 $6.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
20 BRL 30 BRL 59 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6 $12
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
7.9 BRL 11 BRL 15 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.2 $3.1
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
3 BRL 3.9 BRL 7.4 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.80 $1.5
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
5.3 BRL 6.9 BRL 11 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2.3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
12 BRL 15 BRL 30 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3 $6
Average car full tank
74 BRL 99 BRL 200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $40
Average car 1-day rental
74 BRL 99 BRL 150 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $30
Average car price
37,000 BRL 74,000 BRL 99,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,500 $15,000 $20,000
Bus ticket one way
2.5 BRL 3.7 BRL 7.4 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.75 $1.5
Car Service
99 BRL 150 BRL 300 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $60

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
190 BRL 580 BRL 3,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $120 $790
Utility Bill - Couple
270 BRL 810 BRL 4,300 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $160 $870
Utility Bill - Family
230 BRL 650 BRL 3,600 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $130 $720
Internet and cable
74 BRL 150 BRL 200 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $30 $40
Mobile phone charges
59 BRL 99 BRL 300 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $20 $60

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
37 BRL 49 BRL 74 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $9.9 $15
One month gym membership
120 BRL 150 BRL 300 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $60

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
87 BRL 120 BRL 180 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $25 $37
Woman dress
82 BRL 110 BRL 370 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $75
Woman shoes
78 BRL 110 BRL 250 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $50
Men's shoes
67 BRL 82 BRL 160 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $17 $33
Men suit
74 BRL 92 BRL 490 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $19 $99
Regular t-shirt
37 BRL 49 BRL 150 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $9.9 $30

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,200 BRL 1,800 BRL 4,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $370 $990
1-bedroom apartment
1,800 BRL 3,000 BRL 7,400 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $600 $1,500
2-bedroom apartment
2,500 BRL 3,700 BRL 9,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $750 $2,000

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
250,000 BRL 370,000 BRL 740,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $75,000 $150,000
1-bedroom apartment
300,000 BRL 490,000 BRL 1.8M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60,000 $99,000 $370,000
2-bedroom apartment
490,000 BRL 1.5M BRL 3M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $300,000 $600,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,500 BRL 1,800 BRL 2,500 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $500
Double Bed
990 BRL 1,500 BRL 1,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $370
Single Bed
870 BRL 1,100 BRL 1,500 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $230 $300
Living Room
1,600 BRL 2,100 BRL 7,400 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $430 $1,500
Dining Table
740 BRL 990 BRL 1,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $200 $370
Sofa or Couch
990 BRL 1,300 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $270 $600

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
990 BRL 1,500 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $600
Fridge or Freezer
870 BRL 1,300 BRL 1,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $270 $370
Washing Machine
1,100 BRL 1,600 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $330 $600
Stove or Cooker
1,100 BRL 1,300 BRL 1,800 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $270 $370
Mobile Phone
1,200 BRL 1,500 BRL 2,100 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $300 $430
Laptop or Computer
1,300 BRL 1,600 BRL 3,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $600

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Sao Luis

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

82%

73% to 91%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Sao Luis is 82% This means that on average, people spend around 82% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% 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
74%
Spending-Income-Ratio
66%
82%

Couple
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
86%

Family
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
95%

How do people spend their money in Sao Luis?

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$66   320 BRL
AVERAGE$850   4,200 BRL
HIGH$8,500   42,000 BRL
Per Month

People living in Sao Luis typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,200 BRL with expenditure ranging from 320 BRL to 42,000 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$11   54 BRL
AVERAGE$140   700 BRL
HIGH$1,400   7,000 BRL
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sao Luis ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 700 BRL with 54 BRL and 7,000 BRL being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$22   110 BRL
AVERAGE$280   1,400 BRL
HIGH$2,800   14,000 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 14,000 BRL on commuting with 1,400 BRL being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$55   270 BRL
AVERAGE$710   3,500 BRL
HIGH$7,100   35,000 BRL
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Sao Luis is 3,500 BRL. The cost of groceries can range between 270 BRL to 35,000 BRL. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$15   76 BRL
AVERAGE$200   980 BRL
HIGH$2,000   9,800 BRL
Per Month

People in Sao Luis allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 76 BRL to 9,800 BRL with 980 BRL being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$8.7   43 BRL
AVERAGE$110   560 BRL
HIGH$1,100   5,600 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 43 BRL to 5,600 BRL with 560 BRL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$13   65 BRL
AVERAGE$170   840 BRL
HIGH$1,700   8,400 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 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 840 BRL per month with 65 BRL being the minimum spent amount and 8,400 BRL being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

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

LOW$28   140 BRL
AVERAGE$370   1,800 BRL
HIGH$3,700   18,000 BRL
Per Month

How much money can you save in Sao Luis 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 Sao Luis manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
66%
Not Saving
34%

Almost 66% of the surveyed people in Sao Luis said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 34% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Sao Luis

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles66%34%
Couples61%39%
Families56%44%

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

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

400 BRL
$80
5,100 BRL
$1,000
51,000 BRL
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,100 BRL on average with savings ranging from 400 BRL to 51,000 BRL.

66% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 61% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Sao Luis?

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

16% 26% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 BRL
$240
3,600 BRL
$720
24,000 BRL
$4,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,600 BRL with 1,200 BRL and 24,000 BRL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,000 BRL
$400
5,900 BRL
$1,200
32,000 BRL
$6,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 34% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,900 BRL with 2,000 BRL and 32,000 BRL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,800 BRL
$560
7,900 BRL
$1,600
43,000 BRL
$8,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Sao Luis can save anywhere between 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 7,900 BRL with 2,800 BRL and 43,000 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 Sao Luis

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sao Luis?


Yes
68%
No
32%

Around 68% of surveyed residents think that living in Sao Luis is affordable with proper budgeting while 32% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Sao Luis

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 options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Sao Luis have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% 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 Sao Luis whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes68%

No32%


Based on the survey, 32% of the people living in Sao Luis said that they don't have an emergency fund while 68% 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 Sao Luis

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Sao Luis, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction39%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 39% 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 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Sao Luis

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% 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. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Sao Luis

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Sao Luis

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Sao Luis 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 Sao Luis:
AgeAmount
2538,000 BRL
3077,000 BRL
35130,000 BRL
40190,000 BRL
45290,000 BRL
50400,000 BRL
55480,000 BRL
60600,000 BRL
65710,000 BRL

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job13%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Sao Luis

2,400 BRL
$480
7,100 BRL
$1,400
47,000 BRL
$9,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Sao Luis


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
23%
Debt Free
77%

According to the survey, 23% of the people in Sao Luis have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Sao Luis

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 36%

( 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 28% of the people's monthly income in Sao Luis 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%12%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Sao Luis 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 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Sao Luis

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan18%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan40%

10% of debtors in Sao Luis confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 18% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Sao Luis.


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 Sao Luis

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Sao Luis 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
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Sao Luis

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


Rent Cost in Sao Luis

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,200 BRL 1,800 BRL 4,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $370 $990
1-bedroom apartment
1,800 BRL 3,000 BRL 7,400 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $600 $1,500
2-bedroom apartment
2,500 BRL 3,700 BRL 9,900 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $750 $2,000
3-bedroom apartment
3,000 BRL 4,900 BRL 13,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $990 $2,700
Furnished apartment
5,900 BRL 15,000 BRL 30,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,000 $6,000
Townhouse
4,900 BRL 7,400 BRL 21,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $1,500 $4,300
House
5,900 BRL 15,000 BRL 30,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,000 $6,000
Villa
7,400 BRL 18,000 BRL 30,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,700 $6,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Sao Luis ranges between 1,200 BRL and 4,900 BRL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,800 BRL to 7,400 BRL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,500 BRL and 9,900 BRL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,000 BRL to 13,000 BRL. The average rent of a townhouse in Sao Luis is around 7,400 BRL while house rental costs can be as high as 15,000 BRL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,400 BRL to 30,000 BRL per month.



Apartment and house prices in Sao Luis

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
250,000 BRL 370,000 BRL 740,000 BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $75,000 $150,000
1-bedroom apartment
300,000 BRL 490,000 BRL 1.8M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60,000 $99,000 $370,000
2-bedroom apartment
490,000 BRL 1.5M BRL 3M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $300,000 $600,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.6M BRL 2.5M BRL 7.4M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330,000 $500,000 $1.5M
Townhouse
2.1M BRL 4.9M BRL 18M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430,000 $990,000 $3.7M
House
2.5M BRL 15M BRL 21M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500,000 $3M $4.3M
Villa
3M BRL 16M BRL 25M BRL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600,000 $3.3M $5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Sao Luis can range from 250,000 BRL to 740,000 BRL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 300,000 BRL to 1.8M BRL. A villa can cost you 16M BRL on average with prices ranging from 3M BRL to 25M BRL.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Sao Luis 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


42 x123 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Sao Luis can be x123 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x123 multiples of the average monthly salary in Sao Luis.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 33% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Sao Luis is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 42% 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
30%

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
4.2%

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.


22 BRL 280 BRL 2,800 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 Sao Luis

Housing31%

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

LOW$240   1,200 BRL
AVERAGE$710   3,500 BRL
HIGH$4,700   23,000 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

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

LOW$39   190 BRL
AVERAGE$120   580 BRL
HIGH$790   3,900 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$52   260 BRL
AVERAGE$160   780 BRL
HIGH$1,000   5,200 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$100   520 BRL
AVERAGE$310   1,600 BRL
HIGH$2,100   10,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$59   290 BRL
AVERAGE$180   880 BRL
HIGH$1,200   5,800 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$33   160 BRL
AVERAGE$98   490 BRL
HIGH$660   3,200 BRL
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$13   65 BRL
AVERAGE$39   190 BRL
HIGH$260   1,300 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

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

LOW$120   580 BRL
AVERAGE$350   1,800 BRL
HIGH$2,400   12,000 BRL
Per Month


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

Housing28%

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

LOW$360   1,800 BRL
AVERAGE$1,100   5,400 BRL
HIGH$5,800   29,000 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$55   270 BRL
AVERAGE$160   810 BRL
HIGH$870   4,300 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$130   650 BRL
AVERAGE$390   1,900 BRL
HIGH$2,100   10,000 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$150   760 BRL
AVERAGE$460   2,300 BRL
HIGH$2,400   12,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$120   600 BRL
AVERAGE$360   1,800 BRL
HIGH$1,900   9,500 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$66   320 BRL
AVERAGE$200   970 BRL
HIGH$1,000   5,200 BRL
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$22   110 BRL
AVERAGE$66   320 BRL
HIGH$350   1,700 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

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

LOW$190   920 BRL
AVERAGE$560   2,800 BRL
HIGH$3,000   15,000 BRL
Per Month


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

Housing27%

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

LOW$490   2,400 BRL
AVERAGE$1,400   6,900 BRL
HIGH$7,700   38,000 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$120   610 BRL
AVERAGE$350   1,700 BRL
HIGH$1,900   9,500 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$280   1,400 BRL
AVERAGE$790   3,900 BRL
HIGH$4,300   21,000 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$120   610 BRL
AVERAGE$350   1,700 BRL
HIGH$1,900   9,500 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$76   380 BRL
AVERAGE$220   1,100 BRL
HIGH$1,200   6,000 BRL
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$210   1,100 BRL
AVERAGE$610   3,000 BRL
HIGH$3,400   17,000 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

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

LOW$180   910 BRL
AVERAGE$520   2,600 BRL
HIGH$2,900   14,000 BRL
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Sao Luis

Housing19%

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

LOW$130   640 BRL
AVERAGE$320   1,600 BRL
HIGH$580   2,900 BRL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$21   110 BRL
AVERAGE$54   270 BRL
HIGH$97   480 BRL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

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

LOW$38   190 BRL
AVERAGE$94   470 BRL
HIGH$170   840 BRL
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$110   530 BRL
AVERAGE$270   1,300 BRL
HIGH$480   2,400 BRL
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$32   160 BRL
AVERAGE$81   400 BRL
HIGH$140   720 BRL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

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

LOW$27   130 BRL
AVERAGE$67   330 BRL
HIGH$120   600 BRL
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$100   510 BRL
AVERAGE$250   1,300 BRL
HIGH$460   2,300 BRL
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

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

LOW$81   400 BRL
AVERAGE$200   1,000 BRL
HIGH$360   1,800 BRL
Per Month
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