Gramado, Brazil

Gramado sits 830 meters above sea level in the highlands of southern Brazil, in the America/Sao_Paulo time zone. Its humid climate brings hot summers that can reach 33°C and cold winters where temperatures can drop to -3°C. Expats tend to settle in the Planalto and Centro neighborhoods, where the community is medium-sized and English proficiency is limited, so some Portuguese goes a long way.

Living costs here are low by international standards. A single person's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $450, and a one-bedroom in the city center rents for $493 per month, or $305 outside the center. A three-bedroom in the center costs $932, dropping to $588 outside. A budget-tier single adult needs $453 per month total including rent, while a mid-range tier runs $676, and a comfortable tier comes to $951. Utilities run $62, internet is $22, and a mobile phone plan is $12. A monthly public transport pass is $69, a gym membership is $26, an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $8, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $25, and a cappuccino is $2. The average monthly net salary locally is $604.

Gramado has a safety index of 75 out of 100 and a crime index of 25 out of 100, where a lower crime index is safer. Healthcare quality is rated as good, which gives residents and visitors confidence in the local medical system.

For those looking to stay long-term, the retirement visa program is VITEM XIV, which requires a minimum monthly income of $2,000. The digital nomad visa program is the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa, with a minimum monthly income of $1,500. The nearest airport is CEL. With an overall expat score of 87 out of 100, a FIRE score of 89, a retiree score of 64, and a digital nomad score of 70, Gramado suits budget-conscious travelers, remote workers, and retirees who meet the income thresholds and are comfortable in a Portuguese-speaking environment.