The 5 Best Cities To Live In Brazil

Brazil is a country of extraordinary potential, but as an expat, your quality of life depends entirely on where you choose to settle. With its breathtaking natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and famously warm culture, Brazil can offer an enviable lifestyle—if you select your location wisely. However, infrastructure, healthcare standards, safety, and overall quality of life vary dramatically from one city to another.

Having lived extensively in Florianópolis, I've experienced firsthand how this island city exemplifies Brazil's best qualities - combining safety, natural beauty, and modern conveniences in a way few other Brazilian destinations can match. My time there reinforced a crucial lesson: with careful selection, life in Brazil can be exceptional.

That's why I created this ranking of Brazil's five best cities for expats based on concrete factors that determine quality of life, such as safety, infrastructure, cost of living, and healthcare system.

Whether you're visiting the country, looking for a hub as a digital nomad, or making a move to call Brazil your home, these places deserve your consideration.

5 - CAMPINAS - SÃO PAULO

Just an hour from São Paulo’s bustling core, Campinas offers a quieter, more affordable alternative without sacrificing modern conveniences. A family of four can live comfortably here for approximately $2,008 USD per month, with rental prices significantly lower than in the state capital: $340 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre or $603 USD for a three-bedroom in the suburbs. 

Safety is notably better than in the capital, and the city boasts a strong healthcare network, like the Hospital Vera Cruz, known for its specialized care. 

While Campinas lacks beaches, its lush parks, such as Parque Portugal, and thriving cultural scene make it an appealing choice for expat families and digital nomads.

Modernist, safe, and affordable, Brasília blends visionary design with low crime and solid healthcare. A unique inland lifestyle with space, order, and calm

4 - BRASILIA - DISTRITO FEDERAL

As Brazil’s purpose-built capital, Brasília is a testament to visionary urban planning. Its sweeping modernist architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. 

Life here can be a bit expensive, but it is still affordable compared to major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. A family’s monthly expenses average $1,984 USD, and rental costs sit at $393 USD for a central one-bedroom or $538 USD for a spacious three-bedroom in the suburbs. 

The city’s low crime rates make it one of Brazil’s safest capitals, and its healthcare system is good and reliable. The Hospital Sírio-Libanês Brasília (part of a nationally renowned network) and Hospital Anchieta provide high-quality private care. 

The city’s wide boulevards, artificial Paranoá Lake, and striking landmarks like the JK Memorial create a unique living environment. However, compared to coastal destinations, those craving vibrant nightlife might find it somewhat subdued.

Floripa blends beach paradise with safety, solid healthcare, and charm. A top choice for families, expats, and birth tourism, all wrapped in scenic sophistication

3 - FLORIANÓPOLIS - SANTA CATARINA

Having called Florianópolis (or "Floripa") home for six months when my first son was born, I can personally vouch for its unparalleled blend of natural beauty and safety. This island city, with its 42 stunning beaches, is not only a paradise for sun-seekers but also Brazil’s safest city, according to Numbeo. 

The cost of living reflects its desirability, with a family spending around $1,928 USD monthly and rents averaging $499 USD for a central one-bedroom or $729 USD for a suburban three-bedroom. 

Healthcare here is solid, with private hospitals like Baía Sul Medical Center and Hospital Florianópolis offering excellent maternity care. As a result, Floripa has quietly become a hub for birth tourism, attracting families seeking citizenship for their children in a secure and scenic environment. 

Beyond its beaches, the city charms with bohemian markets, the iconic Hercílio Luz Bridge, and lively bars in Jurerê Internacional, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and a touch of sophistication.

Related content: Exploring Brazil’s Hidden Real Estate Potential

2 - BELO HORIZONTE - MINAS GERAIS

The capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (or "BH"), is a city of open-hearted locals, legendary food (pão de queijo, anyone?), and an affordable cost of living compared to other cities such as São Paulo and Campinas. A family can live well here for approximately $1,897 USD per month, with rents ranging from $394 USD for a downtown one-bedroom to $438 USD for a larger suburban apartment. 

Safety is another draw; BH ranks as Brazil’s third-safest city in Brazil, and its healthcare system is among the country’s best, featuring Hospital Mater Dei, a top-tier private facility, and Felício Rocho, known for its cardiac care. 

Culturally, the city thrives with cosmopolitan bars in Savassi, the UNESCO-listed Pampulha Modern Ensemble, and lively festivals like Comida di Buteco, where bars compete to serve the best appetizers. While BH has no coastline, its mild climate, nearby historic towns (like Ouro Preto), and unbeatable cost-to-quality ratio make it a standout.

Curitiba offers Brazil’s best mix of safety, green spaces, and affordability, modern transport, top hospitals, and natural beauty, making it ideal for families and expats

1 - CURITIBA - PARANÁ

Topping the list is Curitiba, a city renowned for its innovative urban planning, lush green spaces, and exceptional quality of life, all at a remarkably affordable price. A family of four can live here for approximately $1,826 USD per month, with rents as low as $350 USD for a central one-bedroom or $489 USD for a three-bedroom in the suburbs. 

Safety is excellent, and the city’s healthcare system is among Brazil’s finest, with Hospital Nossa Senhora das Graças (a leader in pediatric care) and Hospital Marcelino Champagnat (renowned for oncology). Curitiba’s award-winning public transport, including its iconic "tube station" buses, makes commuting a breeze. Cultural landmarks like the Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame) and the stunning Jardim Botânico add to its charm. 

The Serra do Mar rainforest is just a short drive away for nature lovers, offering hiking and breathtaking vistas. Simply put, Curitiba delivers Brazil's best balance of affordability, safety, and infrastructure.

Related content: Best Places To Visit In Brazil

Brazil offers real-life havens like Curitiba and 'Floripa', safe, affordable, and built to thrive. Discover where to start your new life with our free Special Report

CONCLUSION

Brazil presents extraordinary opportunities, but success depends entirely on strategic location selection. While many areas struggle with bureaucracy and infrastructure gaps, cities like Curitiba, Florianópolis, and Belo Horizonte deliver proven livability with their safety rankings, quality healthcare systems, and functional urban planning at costs far below comparable Western destinations. These aren't tourist fantasies but real-world havens where expats can genuinely thrive, as demonstrated by both data and lived experience.

Whether you are seeking residency, investment opportunities, or a better quality of life, these five cities represent a great starting point for building your future in Brazil. Take your first steps by downloading our Special Report on Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.