by Sol Biderman
Sao Paulo in Brazil has one of the lowest costs of living in the world (see below for some examples)…and, because of preservation laws, enjoys some of the most beautiful beaches in the world too. Here are my favorites:
Praia Pernambuco, a soft powdery sand beach fringed by coconuts, is only one hour on the superhighway from the best hospitals and restaurants in South America. Six months ago, a four-bedroom house here in good condition on a half-acre lot beside a country club was sold for $44,000.
Guaruja is not as fashionable as it was when Sophia Loren and Paul McCartney used to visit. But big luxury homes are incredibly cheap on the Enseada and Pernambuco beaches.
The more rustic beaches on the northern coast of Sao Paulo became chic after a paved road was built connecting the states of Santos and Rio de Janeiro. A beach house 100 yards from the ocean costs from $50,000 to $70,000. You can buy ocean views for around $80,000 but oceanfront and houses fronting the golf course can cost up to $2 million.
Here's a sample basket of goods for Sao Paulo:
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment on the beach: $200 per month
Liter of milk: 50 cents
Loaf of bread: 90 cents
Subway ticket: 65 cents
Cinema ticket: $3.50
Cup of coffee: 30 cents
Beer in a bar: 60cents
Dinner for two in a good restaurant: $40
Liter of gasoline: 70 cents
Hair salon appointment: $5
Source: International Living
