Ready to retire and looking for your very own piece of paradise in Brazil?
Let's be honest, at this stage in life, when job opportunities, career growth, and daily commutes are things of the past, what you really want is a place where you can create your ideal lifestyle. This is the time to focus on the hobbies and activities you love and cherish, without any distractions.
Brazil is bursting with options that cater to all kinds of retirement dreams. So, let’s dive in and find out which spot is perfect for your ultimate retirement adventure!
- Florianópolis - Known for its stunning beaches and great nightlife, perfect if you love the outdoors and socializing.
- Curitiba - Famous for its green spaces, excellent infrastructure, and cultural attractions.
- Natal - Offers beautiful beaches and a lower cost of living.
- Brasília - Modernist architecture and a relaxed lifestyle.
- Fortaleza - A coastal city with a warm climate and friendly atmosphere.
- Recife - Rich in history and culture with lovely coastal views.
- Belo Horizonte - Known for its cultural scene and beautiful parks.
- Manaus - Located in the Amazon, it's ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Salvador - Combines cultural vibrancy with historical significance.
- Porto Alegre - Offers a mix of urban life and beautiful natural surroundings.
These locations are renowned for their appealing climates, affordability, and the availability of amenities catering to retirees.
Let’s talk about each of them.
1. Florianópolis
Florianópolis, or Floripa, is one of Brazil's favorite seaside destinations. If you're the sort who hugs trees and talks to dolphins, this place is your Eden.
Here you will find the most jaw-dropping beaches and verdant greenery that you can only imagine. Outdoor activities in Floripa are endless: hiking trails, surfing spots, and enough sun to keep your vitamin D levels through the roof.
The cultural scene here is no slouch either with a rich choice of various festivals and events. It’s also one of the safest spots in Brazil, so you can sleep easy knowing that the biggest danger you’ll face is sunburn.
But, and there’s always a but, living in Floripa can cost a pretty penny. It’s not exactly the budget option, and when tourist season hits, the place gets very crowded.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R6,000 and R22,000 depending on the size and location ($1100 - $4100)
- Travel: Well-connected with an international airport and good road infrastructure.
- Infrastructure: Excellent healthcare facilities and amenities.
- Climate: Subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
- Drawbacks: High cost of living and crowded during tourist season.
Find more information in our guide on living in Florianópolis.
2. Curitiba
Take the best bits of every city and throw them into a blender, and you will get Curitiba. It's a city where you can actually breathe, thanks to the abundance of green spaces—parks, gardens, and more trees than you can shake a stick at.
The public transportation is great, buses run almost on time and getting around is easy.
Theaters, museums, and events are abundant. Whether you’re into highbrow arts or just looking for a bit of fun, there’s always something going on.
Despite all the urban trappings, Curitiba somehow manages to maintain a slower pace of life, almost pastoral. It’s got this laid-back vibe that’s incredibly refreshing. You get the buzz of city life without the manic rush.
Climate… Mild, yes, but winters here can bite hard. It’s colder than you’d expect for Brazil, so don’t pack away that jacket just yet.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R4,000 and R11,000 depending on the size and location ($740 - $2050)
- Travel: Efficient public transportation system, including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
- Infrastructure: Excellent urban planning with many parks and green spaces.
- Climate: Mild and temperate, cooler than most Brazilian cities.
- Drawbacks: Higher crime rate in certain areas and cold winters.
3. Natal
Endless stretches of golden beaches, sunshine, and weather so warm it’s like a perpetual summer - this is Natal. It’s the dream spot for anyone looking to spend retirement with their toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand.
The biggest perk is the affordability. Compared to Brazil’s big urban jungles, Natal offers a much more wallet-friendly cost of living.
But here is a downside: while the warmth is glorious, the humidity is very high. Not to mention, when it rains, it doesn’t just drizzle—it pours. If you’re planning a move, keep an umbrella handy and perhaps a dehumidifier.
In a nutshell, Natal is a slice of seaside heaven with a few quirks. It’s affordable and stunning, but be ready to embrace the weather with open arms. If you can handle that, then welcome to paradise.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,000 and R8,000 depending on the size and location ($560 - $1450)
- Travel: Good road connections and an international airport.
- Infrastructure: Decent healthcare and amenities, though less developed than major cities.
- Climate: Tropical with warm weather year-round.
- Drawbacks: Higher humidity and occasional heavy rains.
4. Brasília
If you’re thinking about retiring here, you’ll be greeted by some of the most advanced infrastructure this side of the equator. Top-notch facilities and amenities - everything you need for your daily comfort is here.
Culture vultures, rejoice! Brasília is practically bursting at the seams with museums, theaters, and cultural events.
The not-so-good points? The obvious one is - it’s not on the coast. The closest beach is about 1,150 kilometers away from Brasília, so you’re looking at a solid 15-hour drive.
Also, the cost of living here isn’t exactly a bargain. You’ll need a healthy pension to enjoy all those perks. And while English is spoken more often here than in other Brazilian cities, you’ll still want to dust off your Portuguese phrasebook. Getting the hang of the local lingo will make life a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,500 and R20,000 depending on the size and location ($650 - $3700)
- Travel: Major transportation hub with an international airport.
- Infrastructure: Modern city with excellent healthcare and amenities.
- Climate: Tropical savanna climate with a distinct dry season.
- Drawbacks: Higher cost of living and less cultural heritage compared to older cities.
5. Fortaleza
If you're the sort who worships the sun and beaches and dreams of perpetual summer, this is your paradise. It's a tropical spot, perfect for retirees who want to bask in warmth year-round without a care in the world.
But the fun doesn’t stop at sundown. Fortaleza has a great nightlife, too. Bars, restaurants, clubs—you name it, this city has it. Every evening turns into an adventure, whether you're after a quiet drink or a full-blown night out.
On the downside, Fortaleza has a bit of a reputation when it comes to crime. It’s not exactly a fortress of tranquility, so you’ll need to keep your wits about you.
Also, if you’re after a quiet, peaceful retirement, brace yourself for the tourist season. The city gets busier than a beehive, and finding a serene spot can be a challenge.
So, Fortaleza: sunshine and buzz but not without its challenges. If you can handle the hustle and bustle and maybe pick up a bit of Portuguese, this city could be your ideal retirement haven.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R4,000 and R20,000 depending on the size and location ($740 - $3600)
- Travel: Well-connected with an international airport and good public transport.
- Infrastructure: Good healthcare and amenities.
- Climate: Tropical with consistent warm temperatures.
- Drawbacks: High crime rate and busy during tourist season.
For more details, read our guide on living in Fortaleza as an expat.
6. Recife
This city, with its rich colonial heritage, is a great mix of history and modernity. Grand, old buildings and historical streets are a perfect backdrop for a buzzing social scene.
Festivals, cultural events, street parties, and of course, beaches—there’s always something happening to keep you entertained and engaged.
Boa Viagem Beach is an absolute gem, stretching along the city's coast with its golden sands and turquoise waters. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely swim, a bit of sunbathing, or a stroll along the promenade.
The tradeoff is high humidity. It’s like living in a sauna most of the year. You’ll need to get used to the constant embrace of a moist, warm hug from the atmosphere.
Safety is a bit of a mixed bag. Some areas are safe, and some are less so. In general, you need to be a bit cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,000 and R8,000 depending on the size and location ($560 - $1450)
- Travel: Well-connected with an international airport and public transportation.
- Infrastructure: Good amenities and healthcare.
- Climate: Tropical with warm weather year-round.
- Drawbacks: High humidity and safety concerns in certain areas.
7. Belo Horizonte
This city is perfect for food lovers, offering a smorgasbord of culinary delights that could tempt even the most discerning palate. If your idea of heaven is a never-ending feast and you’re not fixated on beaches (it’s an inland city), then you’ve found your perfect spot.
Beyond the plate, Belo Horizonte dazzles with its rich cultural scene. Museums, theaters, music festivals—there’s always something to stimulate the senses.
What sets Belo Horizonte apart is its unique layout. High-rise buildings are scattered among rolling hills, and some of the streets are steep enough to give San Francisco a run for its money.
It’s a sprawling metropolis, the third-largest in Brazil, so traffic congestion here can be a real headache. And while the city offers many luxuries, they come at a price—the cost of living is relatively high.
In short, Belo Horizonte is an energetic, culturally rich city with fantastic food and a unique charm. Just be prepared to deal with the traffic and bring a healthy bank account.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,700 and R15,000 depending on the size and location ($690 - $2750)
- Travel: Good roads and public transportation systems.
- Infrastructure: Excellent healthcare and amenities.
- Climate: Mild, with a mix of tropical and subtropical influences.
- Drawbacks: Traffic congestion and occasional pollution issues.
8. Manaus
An eccentric and unique city nestled right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Manaus is the ultimate playground for eco-fans and adventurers looking to explore nature’s wonders.
Situated at the confluence of two mighty rivers, Manaus might be far from the Brazilian coast, but fear not—beach lovers won’t feel left out. The city boasts several beach spots that locals and tourists alike flock to.
The star of the show is Ponta Negra Beach, a stretch of sand that’s anything but ordinary. It features playgrounds for the kids, cycling paths, sand volleyball courts, and even an amphitheater for live performances.
It’s a well-equipped city with everything you need for your daily comforts, but it is remote and drenched in humidity.
The heat here is relentless—it's summer all year round, and when the rain does come, it only swaps the scorching sun for a steamy downpour. If you’re not a fan of perpetual heat, this isn’t the place for you.
Living here isn’t exactly cheap, either. Imported goods come with a hefty price tag because the city is so isolated. There are no highways connecting Manaus to the rest of Brazil—just to Roraima and Venezuela. Everything arrives by plane or cargo ship, driving up the cost of living.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R2,600 and R5,000 depending on the size and location ($480 - $930)
- Travel: Limited compared to coastal cities, mainly accessible by air and river.
- Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure with good healthcare.
- Climate: Tropical rainforest climate with high humidity.
- Drawbacks: Remote location and high cost of imported goods.
9. Salvador
Salvador is big, bustling, and brimming with life, and the art scene is rich in every conceivable form.
The beaches are fabulous! Take Praia Farol da Barra, for instance. Soft sand, gentle waves, and a natural reef that keeps the big Atlantic rollers at bay.
But, let’s be honest, Salvador isn’t without its warts. There are safety concerns, and trash can be a nuisance, plus humidity is very high.
Being a city, it gets congested and traveling around is not that easy. Public transportation is ok but not exactly the epitome of efficiency. Biking is an option, but it’s hilly, it’s hot, and you’ll sweat like you’re in a sauna.
Yet, the true magic of Salvador lies just beyond the city limits. A mere 30-minute drive and you’re in a world of stunning, peaceful towns that feel like they’ve been plucked from a dream.
Morro de São Paulo, Praia do Forte, Lençóis, Itaparica—these are the hidden gems where nature remains unspoiled, and the pace of life slows to a blissful crawl.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,200 and R25,000 depending on the size and location ($600 - $4600)
- Travel: Well-connected with an international airport and good public transport.
- Infrastructure: Decent amenities and healthcare.
- Climate: Tropical with warm temperatures year-round.
- Drawbacks: Safety concerns and high humidity.
10. Porto Alegre
If you’re one of those folks who likes a bit of variety in your weather, Porto Alegre is your place. Unlike the endless summer or perpetual rain some places offer, Porto Alegre gives you the full quartet of seasons, each with its own distinct weather to enjoy.
The city is dotted with parks and green spaces. There are lakeside promenades along Guaíba Lake, perfect for sunbathing and watching the sunset.
Some of the most popular lakeside beaches in Porto Alegre include Parque Moacyr Scliar (Orla do Guaíba). And if you’re after the best beach experience in Rio Grande do Sul, a two-hour drive from Porto Alegre will take you to some truly stunning coastal spots.
On the downside, the cost of living can make your wallet wince, and every now and then, the weather decides to throw a bit of a tantrum. Extreme conditions can pop up like an unwanted houseguest, so you’ll need to be prepared.
- Rent for a decent 2-bedroom property in a good location: Between R3,000 and R13,000 depending on the size and location ($560 - $2400)
- Travel: Good road connections and an international airport.
- Infrastructure: Excellent healthcare and amenities.
- Climate: Subtropical with four distinct seasons.
- Drawbacks: Higher cost of living and occasional extreme weather.
Final thoughts on the best places to retire in Brazil
When considering the best places to retire in Brazil, a few gems stand out. Curitiba offers green spaces and excellent public transportation, while Florianópolis, with its stunning beaches and active cultural scene, is great for nature lovers.
If you are seeking historical charm and lively festivals, Salvador delivers in spades, and Porto Alegre, with its temperate climate and picturesque parks, is ideal for enjoying all four seasons.
However, there’s a common thread to consider: the language. If your Portuguese is limited to "bom dia" and "obrigado," you might find daily life a bit of a challenge. English isn’t widely spoken, so brushing up on your language skills will be essential.
Embrace the opportunity to learn, and you’ll not only navigate daily interactions with ease but also integrate more deeply into the local community, enhancing your retirement experience in these beautiful Brazilian cities.
You might find useful:
- Living In Brazil - an expat guide to moving to and settling down in Brazil.
