Brazil is a breathtaking South American country.
Brazil has been a tourist destination for many years and provides a lush tropical setting with a light-hearted, fun culture that invites people to let loose and enjoy the many finer points of this fantastic and historical country.
However, there are a few cons to consider among the pros.
Before taking the leap, anyone considering a move to Brazil should educate themselves on the benefits and downsides.
Consider these top pros and cons of living in Brazil.
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Pros of Living in Brazil
Brazil is a beautiful country filled with a rich culture and scenic landscapes.
There is always something to do and see, providing many significant benefits to individuals considering moving to the South American country.
1. Lower Cost of Healthcare
The average cost of healthcare in Brazil is much lower than in the United States.
This is one reason why so many Americans travel to Brazil for surgery and other cosmetic procedures.
That means that individuals living in Brazil have access to adequate health care or elective surgery for a fraction of the price.
It is just one of the many financial benefits associated with living in this country.
2. More Affordable Necessities
Items required for daily life are much more affordable in Brazil. Food, hygiene items, and essential services are much cheaper but maintain high quality.
Individuals interested in living in a developed country with lower costs for daily necessities will enjoy the significant savings they will experience.
Brazil is a great country to live in and still maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a tighter budget.
3. Beautiful Landscape
Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is filled with scenic views and striking landscapes.
Brazil has gorgeous mountain ranges dotted across the country but has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
There is plenty of versatility when it comes to your terrain and microclimates, such as desert-like areas and lush valleys and plains.
There is a little something for everyone in Brazil.
4. Festivals
Colorful festivals such as Carnival are one of the highlights of living in Brazil.
The country of Brazil is home to yearly festivals and parades across the country, which highlight colorful costumes that reflect their religious beliefs and cultures.
The residents celebrate with extravagant celebrations, dancing in the streets, and specialty foods.
It is a sizeable event that tourists and locals anticipate throughout the year.
5. Sports
Brazil is very passionate about its national sports.
The country is highly competitive in fūtbol, water sports, and much more.
Anyone who is a sports enthusiast will love living in a country that celebrates the wide range of sports this South American country is famous for globally.
6. Robust Public Transportation
Individuals who want to utilize Brazil’s excellent public transportation system will benefit greatly by reducing the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle.
There are plenty of bus transit routes in most areas across the country, including rural areas, an extensive network of trains that stop in each city and small town, and tons of cabs and ride-share opportunities.
Because of this public transportation network, getting around in Brazil is much easier than in many other countries in the world.
7. Cheaper Entertainment
There is never a shortage of things to do in Brazil in terms of entertainment opportunities.
Brazil is full of exciting thrill rides, nightclubs, and adventure parks or services.
Whether you enjoy hiking, hand-gliding, or dancing the night away, there’s something for everyone to do any time of night or day.
However, the great thing about Brazil is that all these activities are much cheaper than they would be in the United States.
You can enjoy your leisure time for a fraction of the price, which means more money for doing the things you want.
8. Incredible Food
Brazil is home to some of the tastiest and most flavorful food anywhere in the world.
This South American country is a melting pot of Latin cultures combined with local flavor to create some of the best food.
The food in Brazil is a range of styles and techniques but is always flavorful and sometimes even spicy.
Anyone who loves international cuisine will be thrilled with the wide range of food options in every corner of every town across the country.
Cons of Living in Brazil
The benefits of living in Brazil far outweigh the cons, but it is worth understanding some downsides associated with living in this country.
Before deciding to move to Brazil, carefully research these critical points to help determine if it is the right choice.
1. Higher Crime Rate
Brazil’s crime rate is significantly higher than in the United States.
Approximately 23% more crimes, especially violent crimes, are committed in the country than anywhere in the USA.
Extra safety precautions are highly recommended, and learning which areas to avoid can help reduce the instances of criminal activity or personal harm.
2. Language Barrier
If you do not speak Portuguese, it is essential to begin learning if you plan to move to Brazil.
While a large majority of the population may speak some or even fluent English, not all individuals will be able to communicate with you if you do not understand Portuguese.
Keep in mind that some areas speak different versions of the Portuguese-speaking indigenous language, which may create a significant communication barrier.
Take steps to prepare adequately before visiting or moving to Brazil.
3. Crowding
Some areas of Brazil have dense populations, which causes crowding.
Whether housing or commuting, be prepared to deal with crowds in most major or somewhat sizable cities.
Anyone who wants to avoid crowds may want to consider settling in a smaller town on the outskirts of a major city.
This may make living in Brazil even more affordable, but remember that you will need to figure out transportation costs to get to modern civilization.
4. Pollution
Brazil’s pollution problems are well known internationally.
In fact, some of Brazil’s beaches are the most polluted anywhere in the South American countries.
Be aware of any areas where pollution is an ongoing problem and avoid it.
Researching the pollution issues in Brazil and how to avoid living or visiting heavily polluted areas is advised.
Be sure to drink bottled or purified distilled water to prevent illness during your time there.
5. Cultural Differences
There are some significant differences in cultural practices and beliefs in Brazil as opposed to the United States.
If you plan to live in Brazil, you must be aware of cultural practices and taboos.
Try to be as considerate and understanding of their culture as possible and avoid taking any actions that may be deemed as unsavory or perhaps illegal.
6. Quality of Life
The quality of life in some areas of Brazil may be much different from that of the United States.
Although most middle or upper-class Brazilians have an adequate quality of life or perhaps even better than their American counterparts, some areas in Brazil are pretty poor, and along with that comes issues related to poverty and having access to necessities.
7. Lower Life Expectancy
Individuals living in Brazil tend to have a lower life expectancy than those in the United States.
This is related to various details related to daily lives, such as diet, exercise, and understanding of health and healthcare.
Although this may not apply to some necessarily, it is worth knowing about and taking into consideration before moving to Brazil.
8. Higher Unemployment Rate
There’s a significantly higher unemployment rate in Brazil.
Individuals have more competition for better-paying jobs, and some may have education barriers or other lifestyle differences that make it difficult to find gainful employment.
Due to this issue, more homeless and underprivileged people may struggle to achieve the necessities of daily life.
Pros and Cons of Living in Brazil – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Brazil | Cons of Living in Brazil |
|---|---|
| 1. Lower Cost of Healthcare | 1. Higher Crime Rate |
| 2. More Affordable Necessities | 2. Language Barrier |
| 3. Beautiful Landscape | 3. Crowding |
| 4. Festivals | 4. Pollution |
| 5. Sports | 5. Cultural Differences |
| 6. Robust Public Transportation | 6. Quality of Life |
| 7. Cheaper Entertainment | 7. Lower Life Expectancy |
| 8. Incredible Food | 8. Higher Unemployment Rate |
Brazil Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Brazil Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual rainfall total in Brazil?
The average annual rainfall in Brazil is 40 to 70 inches annually.
However, there is a great variation in rainfall depending on the location, such as in areas in the Amazon basin where rainfall totals are much higher.
What is the most dangerous city in Brazil?
Fiera de Santa is the most violent and dangerous city in Brazil.
It has an average murder rate of 61 per 100,000 individuals.
There are also a few other countries with high violent crime rates which should be avoided by new citizens or visitors.
What is the average high temperature during the summer in Brazil?
Brazil has little variation in the hot and cold months due to its location close to the equator.
The average high temperatures are between 72 and 79° F.
The higher elevations of the country do not see nearly as much rain as the portions of the Amazon Rain Forest and the Amazon Basin.
Those who move to the area should beware of monsoons and dangerous flooding in the areas.
Some portions of the country are completely underwater during these times.
When is the carnival season in Brazil?
All Carnival is typically celebrated for four days, occurring directly before Ash Wednesday.
The Carnival season can be celebrated throughout the month.
This event usually occurs anywhere from late January through early March, depending on the date Easter falls on that year.
Do not forget that there are also other festivals that occur annually that reflect different religious beliefs and holidays that are also fun and enjoyable.
Is Brazil prone to natural disasters?
Brazil has its fair share of natural disasters each year.
It is especially prone to droughts or flooding depending on the season, and frequent tropical systems move through the area.
Find out which areas are most prone to natural disasters before moving into the area and make a point to avoid them if possible.
No matter how beautiful a country is if crimes are higher, my opinion not worth staying just too dangerous for you and your family with you.
I’m Brazilian and I don’t agree just because of the justifications regarding life expectancy. We feed much better than the American, for example. Americans eat a lot of fast food and canned goods. In Brazil we make our own food, with fresh fruit and food. Most Brazilians do care about their physique, they go on diets and practice physical activity. And about health concerns. Here we have SUS, health for free! Free. We care about health, yes! In addition, we are much more stressed and happier. There are elderly people in Brazil who reach more than 100 years.
I totally agree with you. I frequent Rio often from the U.S. your food there is cleaner and fresher with no antibiotics, hormones, high fructose corn syrup, and GMO crap like here in the States. I actually eat more and lose weight more easily while there without trying to diet because of healthier, cleaner foods. Crime in the city areas, is like everywhere else take precautions; I stay in Northern Merica while there: beautiful, quiet, country rural, and still close to everything without all the crime.
I definitely agree with Daniele. Brazilians are a lot healthier than Americans.