São Luís, Brazil
An island capital with a UNESCO-listed historic center, famous for its azulejo tiles, reggae culture, and Lençóis Maranhenses nearby.
Overview
São Luís is a city in MA with a population of 1,108,975. An island capital with a UNESCO-listed historic center, famous for its azulejo tiles, reggae culture, and Lençóis Maranhenses nearby. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Brazil Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
São Luís vs Brazil Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: R$37,200
- Unemployment: 14.5%
- Population: 1,108,975
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 74°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 90 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: R$200,000
- 1BR Rent: R$1200/mo
Cost of Living
São Luís's cost of living index is 89 (Brazil average = 100).
| Category | São Luís | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 89 | 100 | -11.0% |
| Housing | 74 | 100 | -26.0% |
Data source: IBGE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | R$200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | R$1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | R$1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | R$133 |
Data source: FipeZAP / QuintoAndar, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in São Luís:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | R$120 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | R$165 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | R$40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | R$35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | R$360 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025
Remote Work Score
São Luís scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
São Luís has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 94°F | 74°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 89°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 92°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
São Luís faces the following natural hazards:
Amazon and other major river systems cause flooding.
Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna wildfires.
Extreme summer heat in much of the country.
Northeast Brazil experiences periodic severe droughts.
Southern Brazil experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 14.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in São Luís per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in morning or afternoon shifts. Carnival is a national holiday break.
Demographics
The population of São Luís is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) Census 2022 (2022)
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 São Luís, Brazil?
The cost of living index in São Luís is 89, which is Lower the Brazil national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in São Luís?
The median home price in São Luís is R$200,000. The housing index is 74.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in São Luís is approximately R$1200/mo.
Does São Luís, MA have income tax?
São Luís is in MA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in São Luís?
São Luís enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 74°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: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.