Erechim sits at 782 m above sea level in southern Brazil, keeping time on America/Sao_Paulo. The climate is subtropical, with warm, humid summers from December to February reaching 33°C and mild winters from June to August dropping to 3°C. Rainfall is consistent year-round and humidity runs high at 78%. The city holds a population of 72 thousand, and expats tend to settle in the city centre or outside the centre, where rental options are split between those two zones.
Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs $380/mo, while the same outside the centre runs $280/mo. A 3-bedroom in the city centre is $720/mo, and outside the centre it is $520/mo. Beyond rent, a single person spends about $540/mo, and a family of four about $1,900/mo. Budget-tier living for a single adult, rent included, totals $920/mo. Mid-range comes to $1,320/mo, and comfortable reaches $1,820/mo. The cost of living index is 42/100 against New York City at 100.
Safety leans favorable, with a safety index of 70/100 and a crime index of 30/100, where lower is safer. Air quality sits at 45, where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated fair. Internet averages 58 Mbps, enough for remote work and daily streaming. The overall expat score is 74/100, with a FIRE score of 76/100, a retiree score of 54/100, and a digital nomad score of 66/100.
For longer stays, the retirement visa program is VITEM XIV, requiring a minimum monthly income of $2,000/mo. The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500/mo. The nearest airport is ERM, just 3 km away. English proficiency is limited, so basic Portuguese helps. Erechim suits budget-conscious singles, FIRE-focused savers, and remote workers who value a calm, affordable base with decent connectivity.