Skyline of João Pessoa
Cost of Living: 92 817,511

João Pessoa, PB, Brazil

Paraíba's capital with the easternmost point of the Americas, known for its green spaces, historic center, and beautiful coastline.

Updated July 12, 2026
Cost of Living 92

Below Average vs Brazil avg (100)

Housing Index 82

Affordable

Median Income R$42,000

Household income

Unemployment 11.5%

Job market health

João Pessoa vs Brazil Average

Cost of Living
João Pessoa: 92
Brazil Avg: 100
Housing Index
João Pessoa: 82
Brazil Avg: 100

Taxes

  • Income Tax: None
  • VAT: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: R$42,000
  • Unemployment: 11.5%
  • Population: 817,511

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 250/year
  • Summer High: 87°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F

Housing

  • Median Home: R$250,000
  • 1BR Rent: R$1400/mo

Cost of Living

João Pessoa's cost of living index is 92 (Brazil average = 100).

CategoryJoão PessoaNational AverageDifference
Overall92100-8.0%
Housing82100-18.0%

Data source: IBGE / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceR$250,000
Median Rent (1BR)R$1400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)R$1,750/mo
Price per Sq FtR$166

Data source: FipeZAP / QuintoAndar, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

R$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
R$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in João Pessoa:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityR$120Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Brazilian household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)R$57Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterR$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)R$70Broadband average
Garbage / TrashR$25Private service
Total UtilitiesR$322Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown João Pessoa

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R$1,680/mo.

João Pessoa Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R$1,540/mo.

East João Pessoa

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R$1,260/mo.

West João Pessoa

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R$1,330/mo.

Remote Work Score

João Pessoa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
92
Rent
R$1400
Sunny Days
250
Tax
None
Unemployment
11.5%
Climate
87°F / 72°F

Climate

João Pessoa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April72°F87°F2.8"
July87°F62°F1.5"
October67°F90°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • VAT: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 11.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil?

The cost of living index in João Pessoa is 92, which is Lower the Brazil national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in João Pessoa?

The median home price in João Pessoa is R$250,000. The housing index is 82.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in João Pessoa is approximately R$1400/mo.

Does João Pessoa, PB have income tax?

João Pessoa is in PB, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in João Pessoa?

João Pessoa enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 87°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: IBGE / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: FipeZAP / QuintoAndar, 2026
  • Income & Employment: IBGE Continuous PNAD, 2024
  • Utilities ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025

Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.