Every month, I post a report of our expenses to show that it is possible to live a comfortable, exciting, and adventurous life without breaking the bank. The less money you spend, the less you need to make. 🙂
This report includes ALL of our expenses, in US$, for two adults and one 60-pound dog (we adopted Maya on June 4th, 2019). Under groceries we incorporate food, produce, and non-alcoholic drinks predominantly bought in supermarkets. Toiletries belong in that category as well. Dining out means eating at a restaurant/event or purchasing take-out food. The health category covers non-prescription medicines and vitamins/supplements; medical contains prescription drugs and doctor’s visits. Because of our income level, Mark and I are eligible for free health care within the state of Massachusetts. For check-ups and extensive care, we return to the US East Coast. Other health issues are resolved locally and out of pocket where needed.
In August, traveling around Brazil in Thirsty Bella, Mark and I tried an experiment: we wouldn’t worry about money and would freely spend on whatever we wanted, just to see how much of a difference that attitude would make compared to our usual frugal approach.
Quick stop at a waterfall along the coast
Ironically, that month turned out to be the cheapest of 2025 thus far—but for unexpected reasons. Our sedentary two-week stay in Rio for work meant the business covered camping and we drove less than usual. A generous friend treated us to a dinner. And, frankly, we weren’t that tempted by most of the food options on offer.
Groceries Take the Lead
For once, groceries—not fuel—were our biggest expense, at nearly $400. That’s on the higher end for us, especially since produce in Brazil is very affordable. My best guess? We did a big stock-up after Mark returned from the US, bought fresh seafood, and went overboard at bakeries, splurging on whole wheat bread and pastries.
Fuel and the Car
Fuel came in under $300, which is low by our standards. We drove the coast in short stretches, did another oil change (our sixth in three years on the continent, and likely the last), and easily found the right oil. We also paid small amounts for parking and a bridge toll.
Dining Out
We expected dining out to spike with our “permission to indulge.” While we did enjoy a few restaurant meals, the total—$114—was still relatively low compared to other travelers in Brazil, or folks back in the Western world.
As usual, we cooked and ate most of our meals at home.
Alcohol
Our alcohol expense was average at around $80 with the purchase of a cachaça chocolate and hot spice liquor being the odd duck.
Some of our alcohol bought in August
Utilities
As usual, utilities covered half of our Starlink subscription, with our business paying the other half, and propane. We managed to refill our propane tank in Ubatuba, a rare opportunity since American-style tanks here require the gravity-fill method, which comes at a premium fee. We managed to fill our water tank for free at a campground in Rio and at a utility facility in Paraty.
Maintenance
In Rio, we bought primer and spray paint for Mark to sand, tape, prime, and repaint our camper ladder and electric jacks—a major project—while I focused on work.
Transportation
Driving through Brazilian cities, especially Rio de Janeiro, has been tough. So, we’ve stationed ourselves on the outskirts and relied on Ubers to reach attractions. With Maya, it’s trickier, but about one in four drivers accepted her once we sent them a message that she “was calm, clean, and well-behaved and would lie on the floor of the car.”
Camping Costs
Our 11-night campground stay in Rio counted as a business expense, but we also paid for two additional nights in parking lots—once in Paraty and once in Rio. Both were safe, convenient, and within walking distance of the action.
The rest of the month, we camped for free in nature or on the edges of towns or beaches.
Entertainment
Speaking of Paraty, Mark joined a “free” walking tour there with our friend Larry and tipped the guide about $10.
Laundry
In between translating legal communications at Fritz House in Rio, I did two giant loads of laundry in the machines of the campground. That took a big chunk of two days.
These machines were big, but very slow
Drinks Out
Our drinking expenses were almost laughable: just $6. That covered a few coco gelados (fresh coconut water served in the refrigerated nut) along the coast and a single caipirinha cocktail in Rio. Not bad!
The Bottom Line
At just under $1,100 for two adults and a big dog to travel around Brazil, August was a fantastic month for us financially. September, however, is shaping up to be much higher. It seems we committed to this “spend what we want” experiment one month too early. But that’s the nature of our lifestyle—circumstances change everything.
(It might be easier to read the table when turning your device in the horizontal position.)
Find all our expense reports here. To learn what other full-time nomads spend, check out the blogs of our nomad friends Duwan and Greg at Make Like An Ape Man.
Next up: Rio de Janeiro
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September 12, 2025 at 09:46
You always meet the nicest people.
September 12, 2025 at 10:35
Always… amazing that you three can make on such a small budget! Jim
September 12, 2025 at 11:11
Hmm, I’ve tried this twice, but I can only read your words. All of the images are just blank rectangles.
September 12, 2025 at 11:12
Haha. After I made this comment, they all magically appeared—the mysteries of WordPress.
September 12, 2025 at 14:15
I also had problems with the pictures today. I just thought it was the lousy internet where I am staying. But perhaps not. Glad it’s fixed.
September 12, 2025 at 14:19
Interesting experiment—not worrying about the cost of things. But I’m sure you thought about it anyway. I know I would/do.
We just had a meal out – here in the middle of nowhere North Carolina and it was $97 (after tip). Of course we drank good beer, and it was expensive. Tonight we are going to go have Mexican. I hope it is a little cheaper.