Rewire Abroad Logo

São Mateus, Brazil

Follows Brazil Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$720
Retiree Score
10.0
Safety Index
52.4
Healthcare
2 facilities

Living in São Mateus means dealing with a city shaped by its history and its oil-driven economy. The petroleum boom of the 1970s and 1980s brought infrastructure, but it’s still a small town at heart. The Afro-descendant population gives the city a distinct cultural flavor, especially during carnival in Guriri, the main beach resort.

Daily life here is slow-paced, but bureaucracy can be a headache. The city’s location near the coast means humid weather year-round, and while Guriri attracts tourists, the rest of São Mateus feels more industrial than idyllic. Safety is a mixed bag — petty theft is common, and you’ll need to stay alert in certain areas. São Mateus works best for those who want a low-cost base near the coast but don’t mind trading urban amenities for a quieter, oil-town vibe.

Can I afford São Mateus?

$

São Mateus

You could save

2,280/mo

Savings Rate76%

Monthly Costs

Rent $280
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$440

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
76/100
Retiree Score
(i)
10/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
52
Safety
2
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) *$2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) *$12
Cappuccino *$2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$57
Mobile Plan (mo) *$9
Gym (mo) *$16
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $168
1BR Outside (mo) *$149
3BR Center (mo) $330
3BR Outside (mo) *$295

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
low
Expat Community
medium
Top Neighborhoods
—
Best For
—

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
792 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Três Lagoas, BrazilLiving in Três Lagoas, Brazil offers a low-cost, balanced lifestyle with southern Brazilian culture. Ideal for expats seeking affordability and simplicity.Coelho Neto, BrazilBaía Farta, AngolaLiving in Baía Farta, Angola offers a quiet coastal lifestyle with low costs, but limited amenities and infrastructure. Best for those seeking simplicity over cMiabi, Democratic Republic of the CongoLiving in Miabi, Democratic Republic of the Congo offers a rural, traditional lifestyle. Best for expats seeking cultural immersion and willing to adapt to limi

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about São Mateus

Click any question to expand the answer.

São Mateus has a population of approximately 73,903 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $700 per month in São Mateus, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $280/month.

The nearest airport to São Mateus is VIX, approximately 177km away.

São Mateus is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 52.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

São Mateus is best for expats seeking a low-cost, slow-paced lifestyle near the coast. It’s not ideal for those who prioritize urban amenities or high safety standards.

Share This Guide