Cost of living in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 70% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 1,167 prices entered by 210 different people.
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Food | - 66% | |||
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Food in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 66% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | R$ 26 ($5.03) | $23 | - 78% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | R$ 36 ($7) | $11 | - 35% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R$ 11 ($2.13) | $9 | - 75% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R$ 7 ($1.24) | $1.28 | - 3% | |
12 eggs, large | R$ 13 ($2.49) | $5.45 | - 54% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R$ 7 ($1.42) | $6 | - 77% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R$ 24 ($4.49) | $8 | - 47% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R$ 9 ($1.64) | $5.10 | - 68% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R$ 6 ($1.21) | $3.58 | - 66% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R$ 5.35 ($1.02) | $3.32 | - 69% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R$ 52 ($10) | $18 | - 45% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | R$ 8 ($1.56) | $2.89 | - 46% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R$ 4.59 ($0.87) | $4.08 | - 79% | |
Housing | - 84% | |||
Housing in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 84% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | R$ 3,373 ($643) | $6,663 | - 90% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | R$ 2,511 ($479) | $4,015 | - 88% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R$ 417 ($79) | $254 | - 69% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | R$ 2,960 ($564) | $3,690 | - 85% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | R$ 1,957 ($373) | $2,289 | - 84% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | R$ 353 ($67) | $123 | - 45% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | R$ 122 ($23) | $67 | - 65% | |
40” flat screen tv | R$ 2,027 ($386) | $324 | + 19% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | R$ 937 ($179) | $137 | + 31% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R$ 30 ($5.79) | $13 | - 56% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | R$ 15 ($2.92) | $28 | - 90% | |
Clothes | - 32% | |||
Clothes in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 32% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | R$ 213 ($41) | $60 | - 32% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | R$ 215 ($41) | $57 | - 28% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | R$ 385 ($73) | $96 | - 24% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R$ 319 ($61) | $147 | - 59% | |
Transportation | - 64% | |||
Transportation in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 64% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R$ 90,025 ($17,158) | $24,700 | - 31% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R$ 5.97 ($1.14) | $1.31 | - 13% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | R$ 169 ($32) | $129 | - 75% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | R$ 57 ($11) | $23 | - 53% | |
Personal Care | - 56% | |||
Personal Care in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 56% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R$ 36 ($7) | $7 | + 4% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R$ 40 ($8) | $18 | - 59% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | R$ 183 ($35) | $105 | - 67% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | R$ 21 ($4.05) | $9 | - 53% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R$ 11 ($2.02) | $4.53 | - 55% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R$ 21 ($3.97) | $7 | - 45% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | R$ 7 ($1.40) | $4.99 | - 72% | |
Tube of toothpaste | R$ 9 ($1.80) | $2.33 | - 23% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R$ 53 ($10) | $31 | - 67% | |
Entertainment | - 54% | |||
Entertainment in Fortaleza (Brazil) is 54% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Fortaleza | New York City | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | R$ 89 ($17) | $70 | - 76% | |
2 tickets to the movies | R$ 63 ($12) | $36 | - 66% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R$ 128 ($24) | $350 | - 93% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R$ 187 ($36) | $96 | - 63% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R$ 35 ($7) | $18 | - 63% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R$ 11 ($2.05) | $5.34 | - 62% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R$ 16 ($3.09) | $8 | - 60% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | R$ 4,025 ($767) | $509 | + 51% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R$ 1.27 ($0.24) | $0.10 | + 142% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | R$ 128 ($24) | $109 | - 78% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | R$ 11 ($2.11) | $15 | - 86% | |
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TOTAL | - 70% |

These prices were last updated on March 27, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.19059
USD
/
BRL
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $20,000 in New York City you would need to make just about $5,954 (R$ 31,237) in Fortaleza.
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