In 2025, São Paulo feels like it’s entering a new era: startups are multiplying, coworking spaces are thriving, and the city is opening its arms to global talent. For digital nomads, it offers something few cities can match: the energy of New York, the cultural depth of Paris, and the tropical flair that’s unmistakably Brazilian.
Why digital nomads love São Paulo
Wi-Fi that keeps up with the pace
São Paulo’s internet speeds are solid, with many apartments and coworking spaces offering 100–300 Mbps fiber. 4G is widely available, and 5G is expanding fast. Ride-hailing is ubiquitous, and public transit — a mix of metro, trains, and buses — covers most areas you’ll work or explore.
Big city, big opportunities
São Paulo is Brazil’s business capital and home to regional HQs for Google, Meta, Microsoft, and countless startups. If you’re in tech, marketing, finance, or creative industries, networking opportunities are everywhere — from meetups in coworking lounges to after-work caipirinhas with fellow nomads and locals.
Endless food scene
Culture at full volume
São Paulo is an arts capital. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Pinacoteca are world-class, while street art legends like Kobra turn entire buildings into open-air galleries. Music is everywhere: samba, bossa nova, funk, jazz, indie rock — you name it.
Convenient time zone
The city runs on Brasília Time (BRT), just 1–3 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, depending on the season.
São Paulo at a glance
- Climate. Subtropical with warm summers (Dec–March) averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F) and mild winters (June–Aug) around 12–22°C (54–72°F). Rain is common in summer afternoons.
- Getting there. Land at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), about 40–60 minutes from central neighborhoods like Vila Madalena or Pinheiros. Congonhas Airport (CGH) serves domestic flights and is much closer to downtown.
- Living costs. Expect $1,500–$2,200 USD per month for rent, coworking, groceries, and entertainment in central neighborhoods.
- Language. Portuguese is the official language, and English is less common outside business and tourist circles. Learning basic Portuguese will make life much smoother.
- Safety. Like any major city, São Paulo has safer and less safe areas. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, use rideshares at night, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Visa options. Brazil offers a 90-day tourist stay for many nationalities, with the possibility of extension. There’s also a Digital Nomad Visa allowing stays up to one year (renewable) with proof of income and remote work. Learn how to apply for Brazil’s digital nomad visa step-by-step.
Best São Paulo neighborhoods for nomads
Vila Madalena
Vila Madalena is São Paulo’s bohemian heart, a hillside maze of colorful murals, indie galleries, and lively bars. Cafes spill onto the sidewalks, coworking spaces buzz with creatives, and music drifts out from every corner. It’s vibrant, walkable, and ideal if you like a neighborhood with personality (and plenty of nightlife).
Pinheiros
Just downhill from Vila Madalena, Pinheiros blends tradition and trend. You’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, craft beer bars, and markets, all within easy reach of the metro. It’s slightly more polished than its boho neighbor, with a growing number of coworking spaces and boutique gyms.
Jardins
This upscale, tree-lined district is known for luxury boutiques, gourmet dining, and wide, walkable avenues. Safe and polished, Jardins is perfect if you want a quieter home base that’s still central. Paulista Avenue — the city’s business and cultural artery — is right next door.
Bela Vista
A historic neighborhood with Italian roots, Bela Vista sits just off Paulista Avenue. Its winding streets are packed with traditional cantinas, theaters, and music venues. You’ll get a central location with plenty of character, plus easy access to coworking spots in the Paulista corridor.
Brooklin
In São Paulo’s modern business hub, Brooklin offers sleek high-rises, international offices, and airy apartments. It’s less walkable and more corporate, but ideal if you want quick access to major companies, upscale shopping, and efficient transport links.
Best places to work for digital nomads in São Paulo
Wi-Fi is reliable in most São Paulo cafes and coworking spaces, and baristas are used to digital workers setting up shop (a friendly obrigado and a good tip go a long way). Whether you’re chasing the perfect flat white or need a dedicated desk, the city has plenty of spots to plug in and get things done:
Best coffee shops
- Coffee Lab (R. Fradique Coutinho 1340, Vila Madalena): Specialty beans roasted in-house, greenery, private nooks, indoor and outdoor seating make this a haven for coffee fans and remote workers.
- Coffee Lounge (Av. Dr. Cardoso de Melo 1114, Vila Olímpia): A laid‑back cafe designed with work in mind, with comfy seating, fast Wi‑Fi, and plenty of outlets.
- Freak Café (Av. Jurema 359, Moema): Cozy and colorful, this cafe offers reliable Wi‑Fi and abundant plug-in spots.
- Soul Café SP (R. Augusta 1524, Consolação): A relaxed coffeshop tucked into an outdoor shopping area. Pro tip: Try the banana cake.
- Fran’s Café (Multiple locations): Open 24 hours, this chain delivers dependable Wi‑Fi, friendly, oftentimes English‑speaking staff, and hearty snacks.
- Urbe Café Bar (R. Antônio Carlos 404, Consolação). Strong coffee and good energy near Paulista. The Wifi is solid, but it can get noisy.
Best coworking spaces
- WeWork (Multiple locations). Reliable, modern, and stocked with amenities. Best for those who want a familiar setup.
- Regus (Multiple locations). Professional environment with meeting rooms and business services.
- CO.W. Coworking (Multiple Locations). Stylish space with community events.
- Impact Hub (Multiple locations). Esteemed global chain for its social entrepreneurship.
- CoLab (R. Artur de Azevedo 1710, Pinheiros). Polished space with ergonomic seating, standing desk options, printing facilities, and outdoor terrace.
- BlockTime Coworking (R. Galeno de Almeida, 188 - Pinheiros). Great Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, a full kitchen, locker access, and even pet-friendliness.Sextante Coworking (Rua Alceu Wamosy, 20 - Vila Mariana). Creative hub with vibrant interiors, a warm community, and frequent social events.
Curious about other LatAm hubs? Check out our guides to other nomad hotspots, like Florianópolis, Montevideo, Bogotá, and Medellín.