Introduction

Brazil is a country full of surprises and beauty, but when it comes to digital nomads, most people think about Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. While these cities are great, many underrated cities in Brazil are perfect for digital nomads. In this article, we will explore some of the best-hidden gems that offer excellent work-life balance, affordable cost of living, and vibrant cultural experiences.  We’ll also give each city a “Nomad Grab Score” which rates each city out of 10 for digital nomads.

Without further ado, let’s explore the best cities in Brazil for Digital Nomads.

Florianópolis – The Island of Magic

Cost of Living

• Accommodation (monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment): $400-$800 USD
• Food (monthly groceries for one person): $150-$250 USD
• Transportation (monthly public transportation pass): $30-$40 USD
• Coworking space (monthly membership): $100-$200 USD

Pros

• Stunning natural beauty: Florianópolis is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green mountains, making it a great place to relax and recharge.
• Vibrant cultural scene: The city has a bohemian vibe and is home to many cafes, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
• Growing startup community: Florianópolis has a growing startup scene, with several coworking spaces, innovation hubs, and tech events. This makes it easy for digital nomads to network, collaborate, and learn from local entrepreneurs.
• Relatively affordable cost of living: Compared to other major Brazilian cities, Florianópolis has a lower cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to save money without sacrificing the quality of life.

Cons

• Lack of public transportation: While the city has a bus system, it can be unreliable and overcrowded during peak hours. This can make it difficult for digital nomads to get around the city.
• Language barrier: While many Brazilians speak English, Portuguese is the official language, and it can be challenging for non-Portuguese speakers to navigate daily life and make meaningful connections with locals.
• Crowded during peak season: Florianópolis is a popular tourist destination, and during peak season (December to February), the city can be overcrowded and expensive.

Nomad Grab score: 8/10

Florianópolis is a beautiful island city located in southern Brazil. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green mountains. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for digital nomads who want to combine work with relaxation.

One of the most popular neighborhoods for digital nomads in Florianópolis is Lagoa da Conceição. This neighborhood has a bohemian vibe and is home to many cafes, restaurants, and bars. It also has a large community of expats and digital nomads, making it easy to network and make new friends.

Florianópolis also has a growing startup scene, with several coworking spaces and innovation hubs. The city hosts several tech events throughout the year, such as Startup Weekend and Floripa Hackerspace, which provide opportunities for digital nomads to learn, network, and collaborate with local entrepreneurs.

In terms of cost of living, Florianópolis is relatively affordable compared to other major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are lower, which makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to save money without sacrificing their quality of life.

Overall, Florianópolis is a great choice for digital nomads who want to work in a beautiful natural setting while enjoying a vibrant cultural scene and a thriving startup community.

Belo Horizonte – The Garden City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: $250 – $500 per month
• Food and drinks: $200 – $300 per month
• Transportation: $40 – $60 per month

Pros

• Vibrant Culture: Belo Horizonte is known for its rich history, cultural events, and beautiful architecture. The city has many museums, art galleries, and theaters, as well as festivals throughout the year, such as the Festival Internacional de Teatro de Belo Horizonte and the Festival de Inverno de Belo Horizonte.
• Outdoor Activities: The city is surrounded by mountains and has many parks and green spaces, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
• Affordable Cost of Living: As mentioned above, Belo Horizonte is one of the most affordable cities in Brazil. Digital nomads can live comfortably on a budget without sacrificing quality of life.

Cons

• Safety Concerns: Like many cities in Brazil, Belo Horizonte has some safety concerns, especially at night. It’s important to take precautions and avoid walking alone in certain areas.
• Limited English: English is not widely spoken in Belo Horizonte, which can make it difficult for digital nomads who don’t speak Portuguese to communicate with locals and navigate the city.
• Limited Infrastructure: While Belo Horizonte is a growing city, it still has limited infrastructure compared to other major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This can make it more difficult to find reliable internet and other digital nomads

Nomad Grab score: 7/10

Belo Horizonte is the capital of Minas Gerais state and is often overshadowed by its neighboring cities like Rio and Sao Paulo. However, this city has a lot to offer digital nomads, including excellent restaurants, parks, and museums. It is also an affordable city with a low cost of living and a high quality of life.

Recife – The Venice of Brazil

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from R$1,200 to R$2,000 per month, while a similar apartment outside the city center can range from R$800 to R$1,500 per month.
• Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around R$20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around R$50.
• Transportation: A one-way ticket on public transportation costs around R$3, while a taxi ride within the city center can cost around R$20.
• Coworking: Monthly coworking memberships range from R$300 to R$800.

Pros

• Recife has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, which makes it an interesting and exciting place to live and work.
• The cost of living is relatively affordable, which is ideal for digital nomads who want to save money without sacrificing quality of life.
• The city has a growing startup community, with several coworking spaces and innovation hubs.
• Recife has a warm climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F).
• The beaches in Recife are beautiful and ideal for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.

Cons

• Recife has a high crime rate, particularly in certain neighborhoods, so digital nomads need to be vigilant and take appropriate safety precautions.
• The public transportation system is not very efficient or reliable, so it can be challenging to get around the city without a car.
• The city can be noisy and chaotic, which may not be suitable for digital nomads who prefer a quieter and more tranquil environment.

Nomad Grab score: 6/10

Recife is located in the northeastern part of Brazil and is known as the Venice of Brazil because of its numerous canals and waterways. The city is a cultural hub with a vibrant music scene, excellent food, and stunning architecture. It is also a great place for digital nomads, with a growing startup community and a relatively low cost of living.

Curitiba – The Green City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $400 to $600 per month. Rent for a room in a shared apartment can be as low as $200 per month.
• Food: Dining out is relatively affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10. Groceries are also affordable, with a typical weekly shopping costing around $40 to $50.
• Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and affordable, with a one-way ticket costing around $0.90.

Pros

• Innovative urban planning: Curitiba is known for its efficient and sustainable public transportation system, which makes it easy for digital nomads to get around the city.
• Cultural scene: The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and art galleries.
• Natural beauty: Curitiba is located near several natural parks and forests, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
• Affordable cost of living: Curitiba is more affordable than other major Brazilian cities, which makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to save money without sacrificing quality of life.

Cons

• Limited English proficiency: English is not widely spoken in Curitiba, which can make it challenging for non-Portuguese speakers to navigate the city.
• Weather: The city experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters.
• Limited nightlife: Curitiba’s nightlife is not as lively as other Brazilian cities, which may be a downside for digital nomads who enjoy going out and socializing.

Nomad Grab score: 7/10

Curitiba is a city located in the south of Brazil and is often referred to as the green city because of its sustainable initiatives. It has a well-developed transportation system and a commitment to preserving the environment, making it an excellent place for digital nomads who value sustainability. The city also has a thriving cultural scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters.

João Pessoa – The Sun City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around BRL 1,400-1,700 per month
• Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around BRL 20-25, while groceries for a week cost around BRL 150-200
• Transportation: A one-way bus ticket costs around BRL 3.50

Pros

• Beautiful beaches: João Pessoa has some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s a perfect place to relax and recharge after a long day of work.
• Affordable cost of living: As mentioned above, João Pessoa has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Brazilian cities, which is great for digital nomads on a budget.
• Laid-back lifestyle: The city has a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere that makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy life outside of work.

Cons

• Limited infrastructure: While João Pessoa has everything that digital nomads need to work remotely, it may lack some of the modern amenities found in larger cities.
• Language barrier: English is not widely spoken in João Pessoa, so it may be challenging for non-Portuguese speakers to communicate with locals.

Nomad Grab score: 7/10

João Pessoa is the easternmost city in Brazil and is known as the sun city because it is the first place in the country to see the sunrise. It has stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed lifestyle that is perfect for digital nomads. The city also has a rich history, with many colonial-era buildings and churches.

Blumenau – The German City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Blumenau is relatively affordable, with options ranging from shared apartments to private rooms in guesthouses or hotels. Prices start at around $300 per month for a shared apartment and go up to $800 for a private apartment.
• Food: The cost of food in Blumenau is also affordable, with many options for cheap eats like street food and local markets. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost around $6 to $10, while a mid-range restaurant will cost around $20.
• Transportation: Public transportation is affordable in Blumenau, with a one-way ticket on a local bus costing around $0.75. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, but can be more expensive.

Pros

• Affordable cost of living: Blumenau is one of the most affordable cities in Brazil, making it a great choice for digital nomads on a budget.
• Vibrant culture: Blumenau’s German heritage is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals, which provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.
• Growing startup scene: Blumenau is home to several co-working spaces and innovation hubs, which make it easy for digital nomads to network and collaborate with local entrepreneurs.

Cons

• Limited English proficiency: Blumenau is not a major tourist destination, and many locals do not speak English, which can make communication difficult for English-speaking digital nomads.
• Limited infrastructure: Blumenau is a smaller city and may not have the same level of infrastructure as larger Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Nomad Grab score: 6/10

Blumenau is a city located in the state of Santa Catarina and is known for its strong German influence. The city has a well-preserved colonial architecture and hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany. It is also a great place for digital nomads, with a growing startup community and a high quality of life.

Natal – The City of the Sun

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $300 to $500 per month.
• Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $5 to $8, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 to $15.
• Transportation: A one-way ticket on public transportation costs around $0.80, while a monthly pass costs around $30.
• Coworking spaces: There are several coworking spaces in Natal, with prices ranging from $80 to $120 per month.

Pros

• Beautiful beaches: Natal is known for its stunning beaches, which offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
• Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Natal is relatively low compared to other Brazilian cities, making it a great destination for digital nomads on a budget.
• Rich culture and history: The city has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore.
• Friendly locals: The people of Natal are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making it easy for digital nomads to make friends and feel at home.

Cons

• Safety concerns: As with many Brazilian cities, Natal has its safety concerns, so digital nomads should take necessary precautions to stay safe.
• Limited coworking options: While there are several coworking spaces in Natal, the selection is not as large as in some other Brazilian cities.
• Limited nightlife: Natal is not known for its nightlife scene, so digital nomads looking for a party atmosphere may be disappointed.

Nomad Grab score: 7/10

Natal is located in the northeastern part of Brazil and is known as the city of the sun because of its year-round sunny weather. The city has stunning beaches, sand dunes, and a laid-back lifestyle that is perfect for digital nomads. It is also an affordable city with a low cost of living and a growing startup community.

Brasília – The Modernist City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: $350-$700 per month
• Food: $150-$300 per month
• Transportation: $30-$60 per month
• Coworking space: $100-$200 per month

Pros

• Modern infrastructure and amenities
• Well-planned city with good transportation
• Rich cultural scene with many museums and events
• Low crime rates compared to other Brazilian cities
• Affordable cost of living

Cons

• Lack of green spaces and natural attractions
• Limited nightlife and entertainment options
• High temperature and dry weather can be uncomfortable for some
• Limited diversity in cuisine compared to other Brazilian cities

Nomad Grab score: 6/10

Brasília is a modern and well-planned city that offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost. The city has a rich cultural scene with many museums, theaters, and events, and is known for its low crime rates compared to other Brazilian cities. However, the city lacks green spaces and natural attractions, which may be a downside for some digital nomads. Additionally, the nightlife and entertainment options are more limited compared to other Brazilian cities, and the hot and dry weather may not be suitable for everyone. Overall, Brasília is a great choice for digital nomads who value modern amenities, a low cost of living, and a rich cultural scene. With a score of 6/10, it is a solid choice for those looking to work remotely in Brazil.

Porto Alegre – The Cultural City

Cost of Living

• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $300-$400 per month.
• Food: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10-$15.
• Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass costs around $25.

Pros

• Cultural scene: Porto Alegre is known for its rich cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and art galleries.
• Startup community: The city has a growing startup community and several coworking spaces.
• Affordability: Porto Alegre is a more affordable destination compared to other major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Cons

• Safety concerns: The city has some safety concerns, particularly in certain areas.
• Language barrier: Portuguese is the primary language in Porto Alegre, and English proficiency among locals may vary.

Nomad Grab score: 7/10

Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul and is known for its cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and art galleries. The city also has a growing startup community and is an affordable place for digital nomads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brazil has many underrated cities that are perfect for digital nomads. From the stunning beaches of Florianópolis to the cultural scene of Porto Alegre, these hidden gems offer a unique work-life balance, affordable cost of living, and vibrant cultural experiences. So, if you’re looking for a new destination to work remotely, don’t overlook these underrated cities in Brazil.

FAQs

Is Brazil a safe place for digital nomads?

Brazil has its safety concerns, but as long as you take the necessary precautions and avoid dangerous areas, it is generally safe for digital nomads.

What is the cost of living in these underrated cities in Brazil?

The cost of living varies from city to city, but in general, these underrated cities in Brazil are more affordable than Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo.

Is it easy to find co-working spaces in these cities?

Yes, most of these cities have co-working spaces and digital nomad communities that make it easy to find a place to work and network.

What is the best time of year to visit these cities?

It depends on the city and your personal preferences. However, in general, Brazil’s summer months (December to February) are the most popular time to visit.

Can I work remotely in Brazil without a visa?

It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Some nationalities can enter Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa.