Skyline of Teresina
Cost of Living: 87 871,126

Teresina, Brazil

The only northeastern capital not on the coast, known for its intense heat, riverside setting, and the Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara nearby.

Updated October 4, 2026

Overview

Teresina is a city in PI with a population of 871,126. The only northeastern capital not on the coast, known for its intense heat, riverside setting, and the Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara 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. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 270 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively high.

Last updated: October 04, 2026

Cost of Living 87

Below Average vs Brazil Avg (100)

Housing Index 72

Affordable

Median Income R$34,800

Household income

Unemployment 13.0%

Job market health

Teresina vs Brazil Average

Cost of Living
Teresina: 87
Brazil Avg: 100
Housing Index
Teresina: 72
Brazil Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: R$34,800
  • Unemployment: 13.0%
  • Population: 871,126

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 97°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Internet Speed

  • Average 200 Mbps: 90 Mbps
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations

Housing

  • Median Home: R$190,000
  • 1BR Rent: R$1100/mo

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Cost of Living

Teresina's cost of living index is 87 (Brazil average = 100).

CategoryTeresinaNational AverageDifference
Overall87100-13.0%
Housing72100-28.0%

Data source: IBGE / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceR$190,000
Median Rent (1BR)R$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)R$1,375/mo
Price per Sq FtR$126

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 Teresina:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityR$120
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)R$122Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterR$40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)R$35Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesR$317Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ANEEL, Sabesp, Anatel 2025

Remote Work Score

Teresina scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 87
Rent
— R$1100
Sunny Days
— 270
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 13.0%
Climate
— 97°F / 72°F
Safety
— 21.5 homicides/100k
Population
— 871,126
Internet Speed
— 90 Mbps

Climate

Teresina has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April82°F87°F2.8"
July97°F72°F1.5"
October77°F90°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Teresina faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Amazon and other major river systems cause flooding.

Wildfire High Risk

Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna wildfires.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat in much of the country.

Drought Moderate Risk

Northeast Brazil experiences periodic severe droughts.

Tornado Moderate Risk

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 13.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Teresina per 100,000 residents:

350.0
Violent Crime
1,500.0
Property Crime
21.5
Homicide

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

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Academic Year February to December
Term System Semester — 1st (Feb-Jun), 2nd (Jul-Dec)
Summer Break December to February (8 weeks)
Winter Break July (2 weeks)
Spring Break Carnival in February/March (1 week)

Many schools operate in morning or afternoon shifts. Carnival is a national holiday break.

Demographics

The population of Teresina is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
0.1%
Black
14.4%
Indigenous
0.1%
Pardo (Mixed)
60.8%
White
24.5%

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 Teresina, Brazil?

The cost of living index in Teresina is 87, which is Lower the Brazil national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Teresina is R$190,000. The housing index is 72.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Teresina is approximately R$1100/mo.

Does Teresina, PI have income tax?

Teresina is in PI, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Teresina?

Teresina enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 97°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: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.