Tubarão, Brazil

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$900
Retiree Score
60.0
Safety Index
72.0
Healthcare
10 facilities

Living in Tubarão feels like settling into a mid-sized Brazilian city with a practical edge. The subtropical climate keeps things mild, but the humidity can be a grind. The Tubarão River cuts through the urban core, and the BR-101 highway makes regional travel straightforward. Agriculture, furniture, and ceramic tiles drive the local economy, so jobs lean blue-collar.

Expats in Tubarão will find a functional city, not a tourist hotspot. The thermal water resources draw visitors, but daily life revolves around work and family. The city’s location 133 kilometers south of Florianópolis means you’re close enough to the coast for weekend trips but far enough to avoid the chaos. The Tubarão River basin region spans 20 municipalities, so you’re never isolated.

Tubarão works for those who want a quiet, affordable base in southern Brazil. It’s not for digital nomads chasing nightlife or retirees needing top-tier healthcare.

Can I afford Tubarão?

$

Tubarão

You could save

2,100/mo

Savings Rate70%

Monthly Costs

Rent $360
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$540

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
70/100
Retiree Score
(i)
60/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
72
Safety
10
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) *$13
Cappuccino *$2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$61
Mobile Plan (mo) *$10
Gym (mo) *$17
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $216
1BR Outside (mo) *$149
3BR Center (mo) $408
3BR Outside (mo) *$295

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Centro, Vila Moema
Best For
Industrial professionals

Expat Life Notes

Tubarão is an industrial and commercial center in Santa Catarina. The expat community is limited to industrial consultants and technicians working in manufacturing.

Pros

  • Close to beautiful beaches (Laguna)
  • Organized city
  • High safety

Cons

  • Industrial environment
  • Cold winters
  • Requires Portuguese

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
Annual Rainfall
1634 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Tubarão

Click any question to expand the answer.

Tubarão has a population of approximately 95,062 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $900 per month in Tubarão, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $360/month.

The nearest airport to Tubarão is FLN, approximately 99km away.

Tubarão is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 72.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Tubarão is best for expats seeking a quiet, affordable base in southern Brazil. It’s not ideal for digital nomads or retirees needing high-end amenities.

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