São Luís, MA, Brazil
An island capital with a UNESCO-listed historic center, famous for its azulejo tiles, reggae culture, and Lençóis Maranhenses nearby.
Below Average vs Brazil avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
São Luís vs Brazil Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: None
- VAT: 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
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 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Brazilian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | R$165 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | R$50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | R$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | R$25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | R$430 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown São Luís
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R$1,440/mo.
São Luís Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R$1,320/mo.
East São Luís
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R$1,080/mo.
West São Luís
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R$1,140/mo.
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" |
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 14.5%.
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 São Luís, MA, 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: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.