Ilhabela vs San Felipe
Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo
San Felipe is approximately 17% less expensive than Ilhabela based on cost of living including rent. This makes San Felipe a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
San Felipe has a FIRE Score of 79/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: San Felipe is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
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Best in rowBrazil
Ilhabela
Mexico
San Felipe
Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.
About these cities
About Ilhabela
Ilhabela is a small island town of 14 thousand where a single adult can live on a budget tier of $1,350/mo, and a one-bedroom outside the centre runs just $550/mo. The catch is isolation: the nearest airport is GRU, 120 km away, English proficiency is limited, and internet averages a sluggish 20 Mbps. Retirees score a mediocre 51/100 and digital nomads 53/100, so come for the lush tropical climate and low rents, not for convenience or connectivity.
About Brazil
Retirees with fixed dollar income near the $2,000 VITEM XIV threshold get accessible cost of living (rent under $400) paired with genuine safety risk, a 35.5 safety index that outweigh the cheap rent math. Fine for someone prioritizing budget and expat community over personal security. Bad fit for anyone needing English-language ease, a fast PR pathway, or low-crime peace of mind.
San Felipe costs roughly 50% less than Ilhabela. Beyond cost, the two cities are closely matched — lifestyle fit and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
San Felipe is approximately 17% less expensive than Ilhabela based on cost of living including rent. This makes San Felipe a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
San Felipe has a FIRE Score of 79/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: San Felipe is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Ilhabela
Ilhabela is a small island town of 14 thousand where a single adult can live on a budget tier of $1,350/mo, and a one-bedroom outside the centre runs just $550/mo. The catch is isolation: the nearest airport is GRU, 120 km away, English proficiency is limited, and internet averages a sluggish 20 Mbps. Retirees score a mediocre 51/100 and digital nomads 53/100, so come for the lush tropical climate and low rents, not for convenience or connectivity.
About Brazil
Retirees with fixed dollar income near the $2,000 VITEM XIV threshold get accessible cost of living (rent under $400) paired with genuine safety risk, a 35.5 safety index that outweigh the cheap rent math. Fine for someone prioritizing budget and expat community over personal security. Bad fit for anyone needing English-language ease, a fast PR pathway, or low-crime peace of mind.
$1,100/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About San Felipe
San Felipe is a small-town bargain with a catch: at 17 thousand people, it delivers $600/mo one-bedroom rent in the center and a $1,400/mo budget tier, but its 25 Mbps internet and 72 air quality index will test anyone who needs speed or clean air. The 81/100 FIRE score is the real draw, and $7 restaurant meals plus a $33 three-course dinner for two keep daily life cheap. Retirees should look elsewhere given the 56/100 retiree score and Fair healthcare, and the $3,738/mo income floor for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is steep for a town this size. Come for the low burn rate, not the infrastructure.
About Mexico
Safety-sensitive retirees should pause: a 46.6 safety index and a significant safety index gap may signal real risk. But budget-conscious Americans willing to navigate that tradeoff get low rent (a one-bedroom city-center apartment averages $659.65\/mo), a large expat network, and an easy $3,738/mo income visa path to permanent residency.
$1,000/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
Compare income thresholds, fees and residency paths for routes in these countries.
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| Metric | Ilhabela | San Felipe |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $700 | $600 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $550 | $450 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1100 | $950 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $850 | $700 |
| Safety Index | 55 | 60 |
| Internet Speed | 20Mbps | 25Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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