Cost of Living
#21
of 124 cities
28/100
Current value (lower is better)
#97 of 124
South America
Sao Paulo
Brazil
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Sao Paulo compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Sao Paulo is 59% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Sao Paulo compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$22,279
-$150K (-87%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 33%
Community Insights
NewSão Paulo stands as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Latin American tech scene, offering career growth and networking opportunities that no other city in the region can match. For software engineers, it presents a dynamic but intense environment: you gain access to a massive market of startups and big tech firms, world-class dining, and a 24/7 lifestyle. However, this comes at the cost of constant vigilance regarding personal safety and dealing with chaotic urban infrastructure. It is a city of extremes—offering both high-end luxury and grit. Professionals earning in foreign currency or holding senior local roles can live like royalty, bypassing many of the city's struggles, but the urban chaos and security risks remain a daily reality.
Resident Sentiment
Residents, especially transplants, have a love-hate relationship with the city. They are addicted to the convenience, food, and energy, frequently claiming they can't imagine living anywhere else in Brazil due to the lack of amenities elsewhere. However, there is a constant undercurrent of stress regarding safety; 'keeping your head on a swivel' is a common phrase. Many expats eventually leave due to the wear and tear of urban chaos (traffic and crime), but they almost universally praise the warmth of the people and the social bonds they formed.
Rankings
Top 17%
Comfortable Weather
#24
of 124 cities
79/100 weather score
Current value
Community Events
#40
of 124 cities
9 events on luma
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Sao Paulo compared to San Francisco?
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Sao Paulo to maintain the same standard of living.
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