Reason 1: Public Transportation Woes

(This issue is also common across much of Brazil.)

Let’s begin with a relatively minor concern, yet it’s significant enough to warrant mention. Residents may claim that public transportation has seen improvements since the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, which is partially true. However, the upgrade has only shifted the system from disastrous to merely subpar.

Comparing Rio's public transit to European standards is futile, as the disparity is too vast. Even when compared to American cities like Boston, Rio falls short.

To illustrate, let’s compare Rio to Santiago, Chile—both cities are of similar size, with Santiago housing 5.6 million residents and Rio boasting 6.7 million. Santiago has one bus for every 860 people, while Rio has one for every 830, showing a comparable bus fleet.

Nonetheless, the metro systems tell a different story. Rio features only three metro lines, while Santiago has seven. In terms of metro stations, Rio has 41 compared to Santiago's 143, and when it comes to metro track length, Rio has 58 kilometers versus Santiago's 149 kilometers. Consequently, Rio's limited metro results in overcrowded buses, making public transport a chaotic and uncomfortable experience.

The Weather

(You might be surprised to see this listed as a drawback.)

While Rio is often celebrated for its warm climate, it can pose significant challenges for expats. The tropical heat and humidity can be oppressive, especially during summer nights when sleep becomes elusive. Leaving windows open invites a swarm of insects, while air conditioning may lead to illness.

Additionally, rainfall can lead to severe flooding, resulting in chaotic traffic and lengthy delays. Many areas are prone to flash floods, causing travelers to be trapped for hours.

The Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

 Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

This mosquito carries diseases, with Dengue being the most notorious. My own family has been affected by this illness, which can be severe and even fatal. Those considering retirement should be aware of their vulnerability, as older adults are often at higher risk.

Cost of Living Misconceptions

Many foreigners rely on cost of living databases, mistakenly believing Rio is an affordable option. For instance, some statistics indicate that living in Rio is 13% cheaper than Valencia, Spain.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that Rio is not a typical city; it consists of vastly different neighborhoods. The “average” cost of living merges both impoverished and affluent areas, leading to misleading conclusions.

For instance, Ipanema, a desirable neighborhood, has real estate prices that can soar to 40,000 reais per square meter—equivalent to around 7,300 dollars or 6,800 euros. This far exceeds what one would pay in Valencia or Porto, Portugal.

Moreover, additional costs arise from higher car insurance rates due to theft risks and the necessity of taxis or rideshares due to inadequate public transport.

Cultural Inefficiencies

As we near the most significant concern about living in Rio, it's essential to note another cultural aspect that may frustrate retirees: the inefficiency of many services.

Public offices often slow down dramatically on Fridays, and service inefficiencies can lead to considerable waiting times. For instance, Brazil’s postal service is notoriously unreliable, requiring a great deal of patience from residents.

Crime and Violence

The most significant downside of living in Rio is its crime rate. The city is frequently highlighted for its violent incidents, from police clashes to celebrity kidnappings. While violence is real, it's essential to approach news reports with a discerning eye.

Rio does have a high homicide rate of 27.9 per 100,000 residents, a statistic that overshadows the city’s more tranquil areas. The reality is that while some neighborhoods are indeed dangerous, others are relatively safe.

For example, the robbery rates in the affluent south zone are starkly lower than in the impoverished north zone, making it crucial to choose your neighborhood wisely.

Conclusion: Consider Other Options

While Rio de Janeiro is a stunning destination for a visit, living there may not be as appealing. Even those in safe neighborhoods can encounter the city's more dangerous areas during daily activities.

For those seeking beachside living in Brazil, consider alternatives like São Sebastião or Caraguatatuba along the São Paulo coastline, or the picturesque city of Florianópolis in Santa Catarina.

Alternatively, explore El Salvador, a Latin American country that has made significant strides in safety, offers beautiful beaches, and is still affordable. The recent announcement of incentives for foreigners to become permanent residents makes it an attractive option.

If you’re more inclined toward Europe, consider our guide on the best places to retire in Eastern Europe.

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Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of The Expat channel, and a best-selling author. Connect with him on X here.