Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

ItuOverall winner

Cerquilho is approximately 30% less expensive than Itu based on cost of living including rent. This makes Cerquilho a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Cerquilho has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 52, suggesting moderate safety levels.

Recommended profile: Cerquilho is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Brazil

Itu

Increased Caution
FIRE69

Brazil

Cerquilho

Increased Caution
Nomad45
Cost
Cost of living index
47.8
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $741/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $2,677/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
Best in row. $488/mo
$653/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $2,512/mo
$2,347/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$319
Best in row. $245
1BR, outside centre
$199
Best in row. $180
3BR, city centre
$797
-
3BR, outside centre
$664
-
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 82/100
72/100
Nomad score
48/100
48/100
Retiree score
41/100
41/100
Overall score
Best in row. 69/100
45/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 60
52
Internet speed
Best in row. 50 Mbps
43 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Itu

Itu is a cheap place to live, with a 1-bedroom outside the centre at $199/mo and a cost of living index of 48/100, but the average monthly net salary of $299/mo means most locals cannot afford even that. Expats score it 69/100 overall, yet the expat community size is none and English proficiency is limited, so you will need Portuguese to get by. The retiree score of 45/100 is the real warning: a VITEM XIV visa demands $2,000/mo, roughly seven times the local wage, and healthcare quality is only fair. Come for the low rents and 10 km hop to VCP, not for a soft landing.

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.

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Itu vs Cerquilho -- Frequently Asked Questions

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