Pros and Cons of Moving to São Paulo

The pros and cons of living in São Paulo present a complex picture. Brazil’s economic and financial heart, São Paulo is a heaving and bustling megacity – the fifth largest in the world, in fact. Many giant multinational corporations have set up branches here in a variety of industries, and the city’s countless skyscrapers clearly show this fact.

Life here can be pretty hectic, with the city’s legendary traffic jams and the sheer volume of people sometimes intimidating you. Although São Paulo doesn’t have Rio’s festival atmosphere, it is an attractive prospect because of lucrative job offers, particularly in the financial and service sectors. Of course, it does have its downsides too.

Check out our list of pros and cons of moving to São Paulo below.

Lifestyle in São Paulo

+ PRO: Parque Ibirapuera

An icon of the city, this massive urban park is comparable to New York’s famous Central Park. It’s a great place to spend some downtime. You’ll find jogging tracks, basketball courts, lakeside picnic spaces, museums and skateparks.

+ PRO: Amazing nightlife

The lifestyle in São Paulo is among the best in the world, as the city boasts lots of party districts with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, live music venues, lounges, and pubs. Options are varied, from traditional samba to megaclubs with modern playlists. That said, Paulistas aren’t ones to start the party in a hurry, and most party-goers only venture out late at night. Some venues might have dress codes, so remember to look sharp.

+ PRO: Great museums

With a rich and fascinating history, São Paulo has plenty of attractions in the form of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. The Pinacoteca is a fantastic first stop, while the São Paulo Art Museum is a must. It displays pieces by Renoir, Gauguin and Gainsborough. Ibirapuera Park is home to the Museum of Modern Art and the University of São Paulo’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

- CON: Not quite a Rio paradise

Don’t expect the shimmering beaches and carnival atmosphere of Rio in São Paulo, even though the coast is just a couple of hours away. The city retains the rich and multicultural Brazilian culture and lifestyle, but the idea of a tropical paradise has been replaced by a busy hub of industry and corporate economy.

Lifestyle in São Paulo

Working in São Paulo

+ PRO: Brazil’s business hub

Working in São Paulo puts you at the heart of the country’s leading business hub, with the largest GDP in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also where large multinational companies tend to set up their Brazilian headquarters, with giants from the tech, finance, services, and pharmaceutical sectors such as Shell, Google, HSBC, Microsoft and Unilever all present. This also means ample job opportunities, and expats often get transferred to São Paulo through these companies.

+ PRO: Variety of career opportunities

There’s a broad array of industries for expats to work in. There’s even a chance for younger travellers to get work as an English teacher – although the pay might not be as competitive, it’s an exciting adventure.

- CON: Knowledge of the language is essential

The language barrier is a constant in working life, and at least a basic grasp of Portuguese is considered essential. Large corporations may have significant English contingents, but learning basic Portuguese will likely become necessary.

- CON: Tough job market

The job market is highly competitive. There aren’t many employment options for foreign workers going in blind, especially those who aren’t arriving in the highly skilled labour bracket. Most expats working in São Paulo have been transferred there through their respective companies.

Working in São Paulo

Accommodation in São Paulo

+ PRO: The housing market is ideal for expats

Accommodation in São Paulo has been tailored for the international community, with the city’s real estate agents and property developers cashing in on growing demand. More modern buildings in São Paulo usually come fully furnished with high standards of maintenance – perfect for expats.

+ PRO: City centre options

São Paulo offers city centre housing options, although costs have risen significantly in recent years. Apartment blocks called prédios are becoming a big hit, with fantastic facilities and security.is 

+ PRO: Family options

Condominiums might be most suitable if you’re moving to São Paulo with the kids and a spouse. Found chiefly in the middle- and upper-class neighbourhoods, these often boast gyms, swimming pools, recreational spaces and landscaped outdoor areas that are ideal for growing families. Houses and bigger spaces are predictably found further out in wealthier suburbs.

Accommodation in São Paulo
Best Areas and Suburbs in São Paulo

Cost of living in São Paulo

- CON: High prices for utilities

The cost of living in São Paulo can be pretty high. Groceries are decently priced, but utilities such as electricity, water, gas and rent can be pricey. That said, expats earning in a foreign currency can enjoy a comfortable life in São Paulo and may even be able to put some money away for a rainy day.

Weather in São Paulo

- CON: The heat

Owing to its location in the southeastern region, temperatures are more moderate than in the rest of the country. But summers can be uncomfortable, with the mercury continually hovering between 77°F (25°C) and 85°F (30°C). Rain is also common, so you shouldn’t forget to pack your raincoats and umbrellas.

Getting around in São Paulo

- CON: Constant traffic jams

Traffic in the megacity of São Paulo can feel like it never ends. Aside from all-too-frequent congestion, fellow drivers can be aggressive and impatient. Some expats hire drivers to avoid the pain of these jams. But taxis are plentiful and are at least safe.

+ PRO: Decent public transport

Despite the city being infamous for traffic jams, São Paulo’s subway is known as both an efficient and generally safe way to get around town. The overland rails are primarily used for long-distance trips rather than getting around the city. There is also an extensive bus network that services the city.

+ PRO: Cycling is an option

Two-wheeled transport is becoming an increasingly convenient mode of traversing São Paulo by bike or motorcycle. Bicycle paths wind their way through the city, with the much-loved Ciclovia Rio Pinheiros skirting the river’s edge. Bike rental stations charge hourly fees, with companies such as Bike Itaú operating an extensive network of stations throughout the city.

Getting Around in São Paulo