Best Places to Retire: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Beyond

One of the more exciting features of Rio is the Carnaval.

If your idea of an ideal retirement destination is a dynamic city where there is a constant party going on, then Rio de Janeiro might be one of the best places to retire for you. On the other hand, if a quiet sunset on an isolated beach is more of your idea for one of the best places to retire, there are a number of options for more peaceful expatriate living along Brazil’s northern coast.

Most of Brazil’s population live along the country’s Atlantic Coast. The interior of Brazil is not hospitable except for the most adventurous of expatriates living abroad. The major cities of Brazil are found along the southern Atlantic Coast and Rio de Janeiro is perhaps the most popular destination for tourists and retirees alike.

Brazil Retirement: People of Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s population reflects a complex history that begins Native Americans originally settling in the region, to a period of colonialism under the Portuguese, and culminating in a period of modernization and economic growth that encouraged in migration of many people from around the world to provide an adequate labor force for its economy.

Slightly over half (54%) of the population are Caucasian in ancestry, followed by mulattos (white and black ancestry) at about 39% of the population and blacks (6%). The large black population reflects a plantation period where slaves from Africa were imported to fuel the growth of plantations. Today, the Native American population accounts for less than 1% of the population. In addition to these groups, one can also find pockets of Japanese who migrated to Brazil as cheap labor.

The population is primarily Roman Catholic, a reflection of the country’s Portuguese heritage. Portuguese is also the national language unlike most other countries in South America. Brazil is a very young country, with a median age of close to 29 years – a reflection of a somewhat high birth rate. Brazil has about 18 births/1,000 people per year – compared to about 14 births/1,000 people in the USA.

Hotels and resorts along Rio's Copacabana beach.

About 86% of the population now live in an urban area and the average lifespan of a Brazilian is close to 72 years of age.

Brazil Retirement: Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro offers a wide range of activities for expatriate living. Of course, there is no shortage of popular beaches adorned by a younger jet-set crowd, the rich nightlife that is as exciting as any other major city in the world, and a wide range of natural, cultural, and historical sights and activities that keep tourists occupied during their stay.

A newly retired expatriate living in Brazil is more likely than not to follow in the footsteps of the typical tourist. Rio de Janeiro offers its world reknown three day long Carnaval with street parties and school parades – an annual festival held four days before Ash Wednesday. Of course, the bars and clubs seem to go non-stop with their rhythmic Latin beat especially on Copacabana Beach which is probably the primary tourist destination with its hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. Of course, a tram ride to Corcovado Mountain’s Christ the Redeemer statue is a must for the newbie expatriate.

However, as one begins to settle into expatriate living in Rio, there is every likelihood that the retiree will begin to explore the other parts of the city beyond the filled Copacabana hotels and nightspots. Other beaches such as Ipanema are found in a more upscale residential neighborhood and comes with a little more police security. For the very rich, Leblon is the exclusive retreat for the rich and famous.

For the backpacking and wilderness types, Rio de Janeiro offers Parque Nacional and Floresta da Tijuca – a national park with walking trails that traverse a rainforest found in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.

As you explore further beyond touristy beaches and resorts of the southern parts of Rio de Janeiro, the retired expatriate might enjoy central Rio which is the major financial and administrative district of the city filled with old colonial styled architecture as well as modern skyscrapers.

Squatter settlement in Rio.

The northern part of Rio de Janeiro are where most of the squatter settlements (favelas) are located. This zone exploded with growth in the late 1900’s with a massive influx of people from the rural countryside into the city. Crime rates are high in this part of town and not recommended for the solo traveler. However, this part of the city also offers a wide range of museums for the more academic types. Casa do Pontol museum offers over 5,000 sculptures of the country’s fold art from all parts of the country. The National Historical Museum (Museu Historico Nacional that now documents the country’s history was once a military prison.

Brazil Retirement: Amenities in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is an ultra modern city in a developing country. A Brazil retirement in Rio de Janeiro offers an expatriate living in the city everything from first class tourist resort accommodations, to exclusive beach villas and suburbs for the wealthy. If you are on a budget, the city offers more modest apartments and flats as well. A small two bedroom apartment ranges in price from about $600 – $2000 (USD) depending on location.

The growth of medical tourism in the country means that living abroad in Rio de Janeiro comes with modern medical and dental facilities designed to service the wealthiest of tourists from around the world.

There is no shortage of first class restaurants or small local eateries that are more affordable and in tune with the culture of Brazil. Despite Brazil’s overall low cost of living, the popularity of Rio de Janeiro for the rich and famous has tended to drive costs up. Expatriates report that a monthly income of $2000-$3500 is necessary for basic expatriate living – again depending on your lifestyle needs.

A wide range of transportation is available in the city. For the average retiree, public transportation should be more than adequate for expatriate living.

Bahia offers a peaceful setting than Rio.

Brazil Retirement: Beyond Rio de Janeiro

If Rio de Janeiro is a bit too pricey on your retirement budget, Brazil offers a wide range of options along the country’s northeast coast. In general, cities will be smaller, the lifestyle more rural, and the cost of living much more affordable.

This is the area that the locals will often go for their vacation getaways, while Copacabana is being swamped with Europeans and Americans. Options that you might want to consider outside of Rio de Janeiro include Natal, Fortaleza, Pipa, Bahia, and Maceio. These are close to smaller cities in the range of a half million to a million people, have reasonable infrastructures in place, and are relatively accessible by land or air.

Brazil Retirement: Rio de Janeiro Summary

Rio de Janeiro offers a very modern and lively range of options for expatriate living. It is a little more costly if you retire abroad here, but if offers the nightlife and beach life for those who are willing to pay more for that combination. On the other hand, if your idea of the best places to retire is a bit quieter and less hectic, northeastern Brazil’s smaller cities may be a more viable option for your retirement abroad.

(Photos by: Raquel Tex, Luis Lucena, Raf Ragoso, and Auro Quiero)

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