Ulianópolis sits at 147 m above sea level in Brazil, within the America/Santarem timezone, and experiences a tropical monsoon climate that stays hot and humid throughout most of the year. The city holds a population of 8.1 million, and expats overwhelmingly choose Ulianópolis Central as their base, a district that concentrates much of the city's residential and commercial life for newcomers.
Rental costs are remarkably low by global standards. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre runs $170/mo, while the same outside the centre drops to $120/mo. For larger households, a 3-bedroom in the city centre is $320/mo, and outside the centre it is $250/mo. A single adult can expect a budget tier total of $550/mo with rent included, a mid-range tier total of $900/mo, and a comfortable tier total of $1,400/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $360/mo, and a family of four about $1,000/mo. The cost of living index stands at 28/100 against New York City as 100.
Safety is a mixed picture. The safety index is 48/100, while the crime index is 52/100, meaning caution is sensible in daily routines. Air quality is good, with an air quality index of 28 where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated poor, so residents often plan around limited local medical options. Internet averages 25 Mbps, adequate for basic remote work but not for heavy data demands.
For longer stays, the retirement visa program is VITEM XIV, requiring a minimum monthly income of $2,000/mo. The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa requires $1,500/mo. The nearest airport is BEL. With an overall expat score of 74/100, a FIRE score of 76/100, a retiree score of 45/100, and a digital nomad score of 53/100, Ulianópolis suits budget-focused expats and early retirees chasing low costs, while limited English proficiency and a small expat community mean those seeking a ready-made social scene may find it a tougher fit.