Benevides sits in the northern region of Brazil, just 9 km from Val de Cans International Airport (BEL), and its tropical climate brings high humidity and frequent rain. That rainfall helps keep air quality generally good, with an air quality index of 45, even as urbanization and local industry make their mark. The city rests at 25 m above sea level and runs on America/Belem time. Around 64 thousand people live here, and expats who settle in find a compact, low-rise place where daily life moves at an easy pace.
Living costs in Benevides are low, but so are local wages. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $537/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $285/mo. Three-bedroom units run $880/mo in the centre and $525/mo outside it. Utilities average $99/mo, internet $31/mo, and a mobile phone plan $11/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $35/mo, and a gym membership is $22/mo. Eating out is cheap: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $5 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $20, and a cappuccino is $2. For a single adult, monthly costs excluding rent come to $510/mo, while a family of four spends $1,680/mo excluding rent. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, are $477/mo, $663/mo, and $981/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $415/mo, and the cost of living index is 30/100 against New York City at 100.
Safety in Benevides is moderate, with a safety index of 60/100 and a crime index of 40/100, where lower is safer. Healthcare quality is rated fair. The city's air quality index of 45, where lower is better, reflects the tropical climate and rain that help clear the air despite some local industry. Expats should expect limited English proficiency among residents, so basic Portuguese goes a long way in daily interactions and in navigating services.
For longer stays, Brazil offers the VITEM XIV retirement visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $2,000/mo, and the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa, which requires $1,500/mo. Getting there is straightforward via Val de Cans International Airport (BEL), only 9 km away. With an overall expat score of 78/100, a FIRE score of 80/100, a retiree score of 53/100, and a digital nomad score of 58/100, Benevides suits budget-focused expats, early retirees chasing low costs, and remote workers who value a quiet base close to a major airport. Average internet speed is 30 Mbps, enough for everyday tasks though not for heavy data work.