Expert: Sandra - 2/26/2010

Question
Hi Sandra,

I have been offered a job in Sao Paulo with R$7500 per month. Is it enough for a couple to lead a decent life in Sao Paulo.

Also can you please answer the below queries.

1) What is the monthly rent for a single bedroom apartment?
2) Any Indian/Asian grocery stores?
3) We are vegetarian couple, what is the cost of food per month?
4) Local/public transport in Sao Paulo?

Answer
If you do not have children who would need to be in an expensive private school (public school is so bad, it is not even a consideration)that salary would do.
Cars and electronics are expensive. Consider shipping your electronics (television, sound system, etc. and possibly appliances)from home.
A comfortable apartment might run about R$2000 per month. You may have condo fees (condominio) for the guard at the door/gate and other services on top of the rent.
There are some stores that sell Indian food products.
For a vegetarian, food would not be very expensive. Variety might be lacking, compared to what you may be used to.
Find an apartment as close to your job as possible. There are buses and a metro system, but traffic in S.P. is unbelievably congested, especially at rush hour. Cars are allowed on the street only on the day indicated by the license plate number, to cut down on pollution and traffic.
Best of luck.