Santa Catarina State: Why Brazil's Most Expensive Homes Are Now On Its Coast

(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Santa Catarina, a state in southern Brazil, now has the country's most expensive homes.

Official data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and recent property market reports show that cities like Balneário Camboriú, Itapema, and Florianópolis have overtaken São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for the highest property prices.

In June 2025, Balneário Camboriú's average apartment price reached R$21,521 per square meter. Itapema and Itajaí also saw prices well above the national average.

Florianópolis, the state capital, recorded R$14,103 per square meter. These numbers are much higher than what buyers pay in most other Brazilian cities. Several clear reasons explain this rise.

Santa Catarina's population grew by 21.8% from 2010 to 2022, adding 1.4 million people. Many people are moving to the state for better jobs, safety, and a higher quality of life. The state's GDP per person is $12,400, which is higher than Brazil's average of $10,200.



Santa Catarina's economy is strong and diverse. The state government keeps its finances stable and invests in good roads, public safety, and business incentives.

This has helped build strong industries in farming, tourism, construction, and technology. Florianópolis and Joinville have become important tech centers, while the coast attracts tourists and new residents year-round.

The local real estate market reflects these strengths. The average price for apartments statewide is R$18,080 per square meter, and houses average R$8,291 per square meter.

In cities like Bombinhas and Porto Belo, apartment prices go as high as R$19,107 per square meter. These figures come from official listings and market data.

Santa Catarina also stands out for its quality of life. It ranks third in Brazi for the Human Development Index, which measures income, education, and life expectancy.

The state has the country's lowest rates of homicide and poverty. Its cities are seen as safe and well-organized, making them attractive to both Brazilians and foreigners.

Another factor is energy security. The state has extended coal use until 2040 under the Just Transition Law, which helps protect jobs and keeps energy reliable for the region.

Santa Catarina's real estate market is now a model for Brazil. High property values are the result of economic strength, population growth, and smart public policies.

Investors and families alike are paying attention, as the state shows how local development can push property prices higher and create new opportunities.



Cidade
Preço Médio de Venda (R$/m2)

Balneário Camboriú (SC)	14.828
Itapema (SC)	14.547
Vitória (ES)	13.711
Itajaí (SC)	12.559
Florianópolis (SC)	12.355
São Paulo (SP)	11.613
Barueri (SP)	11.368
Curitiba (PR)	11.228
Rio de Janeiro (RJ)	10.584
Belo Horizonte (MG)	10.188
Vila Velha (ES)	9.613
Brasília (DF)	9.474
Maceió (AL)	9.402
Média* (Índice FipeZAP)	9.319
São Caetano do Sul (SP)	8.940
São José dos Campos (SP)	8.587
Fortaleza (CE)	8.464
São José (SC)	8.450
Recife (PE)	8.219
São Luís (MA)	8.193
Osasco (SP)	8.057
Belém (PA)	7.970
Goiânia (GO)	7.886
Joinville (SC)	7.746
Santos (SP)	7.662
João Pessoa (PB)	7.558
Salvador (BA)	7.534
Santo André (SP)	7.381
Blumenau (SC)	7.345
Niterói (RJ)	7.334
Porto Alegre (RS)	7.319
Campinas (SP)	7.201
Manaus (AM)	7.050
Guarulhos (SP)	7.026
São Bernardo do Campo (SP)	6.719
Cuiabá (MT)	6.691
Diadema (SP)	6.507
Praia Grande (SP)	6.378
Campo Grande (MS)	6.374
Guarujá (SP)	6.305
Caxias do Sul (RS)	6.067
Natal (RN)	5.898
Canoas (RS)	5.779
São José dos Pinhais (PR)	5.674
Teresina (PI)	5.655
Contagem (MG)	5.641
Jaboatão dos Guararapes (PE)	5.624
São José do Rio Preto (SP)	5.567
Londrina (PR)	5.405
Novo Hamburgo (RS)	5.238
Aracaju (SE)	5.168
São Leopoldo (RS)	5.049
Ribeirão Preto (SP)	5.028
Santa Maria (RS)	5.019
São Vicente (SP)	4.604
Betim (MG)	4.478
Pelotas (RS)	4.415

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