Skyline of Palmas
Cost of Living: 91 313,349

Palmas, TO, Brazil

A planned capital city in Brazil's heartland, known for its modern design, environmental preservation areas, and the Ilha do Bananal wetlands.

Updated July 12, 2026
Cost of Living 91

Below Average vs Brazil avg (100)

Housing Index 76

Affordable

Median Income R$42,000

Household income

Unemployment 9.5%

Job market health

Palmas vs Brazil Average

Cost of Living
Palmas: 91
Brazil Avg: 100
Housing Index
Palmas: 76
Brazil Avg: 100

Taxes

  • Income Tax: None
  • VAT: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: R$42,000
  • Unemployment: 9.5%
  • Population: 313,349

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 180/year
  • Summer High: 95°F
  • Winter Low: 68°F

Housing

  • Median Home: R$210,000
  • 1BR Rent: R$1300/mo

Cost of Living

Palmas's cost of living index is 91 (Brazil average = 100).

CategoryPalmasNational AverageDifference
Overall91100-9.0%
Housing76100-24.0%

Data source: IBGE / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceR$210,000
Median Rent (1BR)R$1300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)R$1,625/mo
Price per Sq FtR$140

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 Palmas:

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$83Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterR$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)R$70Broadband average
Garbage / TrashR$25Private service
Total UtilitiesR$348Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Palmas

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R$1,560/mo.

Palmas Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R$1,430/mo.

East Palmas

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R$1,170/mo.

West Palmas

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R$1,235/mo.

Remote Work Score

Palmas scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
91
Rent
R$1300
Sunny Days
180
Tax
None
Unemployment
9.5%
Climate
95°F / 68°F

Climate

Palmas has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January88°F68°F2.5"
April80°F83°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F86°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 9.5%.

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 Palmas, TO, Brazil?

The cost of living index in Palmas is 91, which is Lower the Brazil national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Palmas?

The median home price in Palmas is R$210,000. The housing index is 76.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Palmas is approximately R$1300/mo.

Does Palmas, TO have income tax?

Palmas is in TO, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Palmas?

Palmas enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°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.