Expat Community > Brazil

brazilexexpat
Joined 2012
Posts: 1

Help - considering moving to Rio from the US

12 years ago

Olá,
I'm considering taking a job offer in Rio and I could really use your help in making a decision.
Some background: I grew up in Brazil and visit regularly, so I'm used to all the "problems", etc. But have been living in the US for many many years, with a good job.

My high level question is: can I keep a good standard of living in Rio with today's prices? In the US, we have two incomes and in Rio we will only have one, at least initially. Though I'm hoping my partner can get a job as an ESL teacher.

The type of life I want to be able to live is: rent a decent 2 bed apartment in Ipanema, be able to afford bars and restaurants 3/4 times a week and beach, lots of it :-)

The job I'm being offered is in the ball park of R$20K + company car. I don't know if it will include "ticket restaurant" and how much that would be. Despite that, our combined income in US$ will be cut in half with the move.

I'm prepared to give up some of the conveniences of the US (cheap electronics, cheap brand clothes, etc). But I don't want to be worried about money in Brazil. My reason to move is to have a better quality of life (better climate, the wonderful Rio atmosphere, walking culture, the social aspect, etc).

For US expats living in Rio or Brazil in general, how did your life change? Did you have to lower your standard of living considerably? Despite that, do you feel your quality of life is better down there? What makes you stay?

I've also been doing some research on the cost of rent, which will be the highest expense for sure. Prices seem to vary drastically and not be consistent. For example, take a look at the two listing below: one is twice as much as the other but seems to be a much worse apartment. What gives?
http://cidaderiodejaneiro.olx.com.br/belissimo-apartamento-em-leblon-iid-445879741
http://www.zap.com.br/imoveis/oferta/Apartamento-Padrao-2-quartos-aluguel-RIO-DE-JANEIRO-IPANEMA-RUA-BARAO-DA-TORRE/ID-3515474

Thanks for any hep you can offer. It's a tough decision to make.

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