Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 76)
Criciúma sits in southern Brazil at 46 m above sea level, in the America/Sao_Paulo timezone, with a subtropical climate that brings warm summers and cool winters. The city is home to 162 thousand people, and expats tend to settle in Centro, Próspera, and Morro da Pedra. These neighborhoods put you close to shops, services, and the everyday rhythm of a mid-sized Brazilian city, while the surrounding state of Santa Catarina offers a quieter pace than the big coastal capitals.
Living costs here are low. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $242/mo, and outside the centre it drops to $209/mo. Three-bedroom units run $405/mo in the centre and $269/mo outside it. Utilities come to $73/mo, internet is $22/mo, and a mobile phone plan costs $12/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $40/mo, and a gym membership is $29/mo. Eating out is cheap: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $6 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $22, and a cappuccino is $1. A single adult can live on a budget tier of $368/mo including rent, a mid-range tier of $540/mo, or a comfortable tier of $646/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $580/mo and a family of four about $2,050/mo. The cost of living index is 46/100 against NYC = 100. Local wages are modest: average monthly net salary is $315/mo.
Safety is a relative strength. The safety index is 67/100 and the crime index is 33/100, with lower crime numbers meaning a safer environment. Air quality is decent, with an index of 45 where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated fair. There is no expat community to speak of, and English proficiency is limited, so day-to-day life rewards some Portuguese. Internet averages 70 Mbps, which is workable for remote tasks.
For stays, the retirement visa program is VITEM XIV, requiring a minimum monthly income of $2,000/mo. The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa requires $1,500/mo. The nearest airport is CCM, 8 km away. Criciúma scores 76/100 overall for expats, 78/100 for FIRE, 57/100 for retirees, and 60/100 for digital nomads. It suits budget-conscious savers, early retirees chasing a low cost of living, and remote workers who do not mind learning Portuguese and living without an established expat scene.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Criciúma, Brazil. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Criciúma at the budget tier comes to about $471 a month for one adult, with $209 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $72.00 on groceries, $24.00 on dining out, $18.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $108 on utilities and connectivity and $40.00 on transport.
Rent
$209/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$72.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$24.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$18.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$108/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$40.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Criciúma at the mid-range tier comes to about $574 a month for one adult, with $209 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $97.00 on groceries, $60.00 on dining out, $60.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $108 on utilities and connectivity and $40.00 on transport.
Rent
$209/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$97.00/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$60.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$60.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$108/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$40.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Criciúma at the comfortable tier comes to about $712 a month for one adult, with $242 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $135 on groceries, $102 on dining out, $85.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $108 on utilities and connectivity and $40.00 on transport.
Rent
$242/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$135/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$102/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$85.00/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$108/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$40.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $242.22/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Criciúma's cost of living compares with Almenara
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Criciúma is moderately safe for expats, with a Safety Index of 67 suggesting reasonable security compared to many Brazilian cities. The main concerns are petty theft, robbery in poorly lit areas, and occasional gang-related violence in peripheral neighborhoods—avoid Centro after dark and outlying favelas. Scams targeting foreigners are uncommon but remain possible. The city's coal-mining heritage means some industrial areas feel rough; stick to established neighborhoods like Próximo and Centro during daylight. Overall, it's safer than Rio or São Paulo but requires standard urban precautions. Suitable for expats comfortable with moderate vigilance.
See how Criciúma's healthcare compares with Almenara
Criciúma has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (December-February reaching 38°C) and mild winters (June-August around 5°C), featuring high humidity year-round at 81% and significant rainfall throughout the year.
Criciúma is known for its industrial base and regional importance in Santa Catarina.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| WorkUp Coworking | Located in the Centro neighborhood, WorkUp offers a professional environment with various desk options, meeting rooms, and good internet. It's a solid choice for digital nomads seeking a focused workspace. |
| Escritório Inteligente Criciúma | Located in the Pio Corrêa neighborhood, Escritório Inteligente provides a modern coworking space with private offices and shared desks. They offer 24/7 access and virtual office services, which can be attractive to remote workers. |
| Regus Criciúma | Regus offers a reliable and professional coworking environment in Criciúma. With a location in a central business area, it provides access to meeting rooms, business support, and a network of professionals, making it suitable for expats seeking a familiar brand. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Criciúma long-term? Brazil Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $1,500/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Criciúma? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Criciúma's digital nomad life compares with Almenara
Criciúma is a city in Santa Catarina state, Brazil, known for coal mining and its Italian and German immigrant heritage. It has no meaningful expat community.
Areas of Criciúma that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling commercial and civic heart
The Centro is the city's central business district, offering convenient access to shops, restaurants, and services. It's generally walkable, but can be noisy and crowded. While not particularly expat-focused, it's a practical choice for those who want to be in the middle of everything.
Residential, family-friendly, convenient amenities
Comerciário is a primarily residential neighborhood with a mix of houses and apartments. It's known for its local shops, schools, and parks, making it popular with families. Public transportation is available, but a car is helpful. It's less touristy than Centro, offering a more authentic Brazilian experience.
Quiet residential, good infrastructure
Michel is a quieter residential area with a good reputation for safety and well-maintained streets. It's a bit further from the city center, so a car is almost essential. It's a good option for retirees or those seeking a peaceful environment, but less ideal for those wanting nightlife or easy access to tourist attractions.
Upscale, modern, growing area
Pio Corrêa is a newer, more upscale neighborhood with modern apartments and increasing commercial development. It tends to be more expensive than other areas. While not specifically geared towards expats, the higher quality of housing and infrastructure might appeal to some.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $242/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Earning over $1,500/mo? You may qualify for a Brazil visa.
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Criciúma and the rest of Brazil. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.