By Marcelo, creator of Mudei pra SC
Updated Oct 1, 2026 · every number with source and date
Balneário Camboriú by the numbers
Among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents, Balneário Camboriú has the highest average advertised rent and the highest share of residents connected to the sewer system. The numbers below show the rest, with source and date.
- US$ 12.53 R$ 63.70average rent per m²the highest of the 14 cities · Sep 2026
- US$ 696 R$ 3,540average formal-sector wagebelow the SC average · 2024
- 9.4homicides per 100,0009th lowest rate of the 14 · 2024
- 97.6%residents on the sewer systemthe highest share of the 14 · 2022 Census
View sources
Source: A Corrida dos Bairros, apartment listings (value = median of listings, excluding condo fee and property tax) (Sep 2026, accessed Sep 26, 2026); IBGE, Central Business Register (CEMPRE), SIDRA table 9509 (2024 data); Atlas da Violência 2026 (Ipea/FBSP), estimated homicide rate, via NSC Total (2024 data, published May 26, 2026); IBGE Cidades, 2022 Census (indicator 60030) (2022). Comparisons: among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents (calculated by this site).
Where it is and what the city is like
Balneário Camboriú is on the northern coast of Santa Catarina, between Itajaí (to the north) and Itapema (to the south), about 80 km from Florianópolis. It is a small city in area, only 45 km², and very vertical. It split off from Camboriú in 1964.
The population was 139,155 in the 2022 Census, and IBGE (Brazil’s national statistics agency) estimates more than 154,000 in 2026.
View sources
Source: IBGE, municipal history (State Law No. 960) (1964); IBGE, 2022 Demographic Census, SIDRA table 4709 (2022); IBGE, population estimate (2026). Area and distance: IBGE and Wikipedia (accessed Sep 30, 2026).
Cost of living in Balneário Camboriú
Here is the summary. The full breakdown, with water, electricity, gas, condo fee (condomínio, similar to an HOA fee), property tax (IPTU), buses and fuel, is on the page cost of living in Balneário Camboriú, along with the calculator.
Renting and buying
A 70 m² apartment rents for around US$ 877 (R$ 4,459) a month, excluding condo fee and property tax. To buy, the average advertised price is US$ 3,397 (R$ 17,264) per m². In the August FipeZap Index, Balneário came in at US$ 3,019 (R$ 15,343) per m², the 3rd most expensive of the 56 cities in the index.
View sources
Source: A Corrida dos Bairros, apartment listings (value = median of listings, excluding condo fee and property tax) (Sep 2026, accessed Sep 26, 2026); FipeZap Index, residential sales (Aug 2026). 70 m² apartment: calculated by this site (average rent per m² × 70).
The math that doesn’t add up
The average formal-sector wage in the city is US$ 696 (R$ 3,540). Rent on a 70 m² apartment is more than that. One way to see it: on the average wage, you can rent 56 m² in Balneário. In Jaraguá do Sul, you can rent 141 m².
That is why Balneário tends to work better for people who arrive with income from elsewhere: a pension, remote work or their own business.
View sources
Source: IBGE, Central Business Register (CEMPRE), SIDRA table 9509 (2024 data); A Corrida dos Bairros, apartment listings (value = median of listings, excluding condo fee and property tax) (Sep 2026, accessed Sep 26, 2026). Rent purchasing power: average wage ÷ average rent per m² (calculated by this site).
Balneário Camboriú neighborhoods: what each one costs
The closer to Praia Central and Barra Sul, the more expensive. Neighborhoods farther from the beach, such as Nova Esperança and Vila Real, cost much less to buy in.
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →
| Neighborhood | Average rent per m² middle range | 70 m² apartment (rent) | Average sale price per m² | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barra Sul | US$ 17.81 (R$ 90.50) US$ 13.87 (R$ 70) to US$ 23.49 (R$ 119) | US$ 1,246 (R$ 6,335) | US$ 6,625 (R$ 33,672) | 298 |
| Barra Norte | US$ 17.06 (R$ 86.70) US$ 13.63 (R$ 69) to US$ 20.42 (R$ 104) | US$ 1,194 (R$ 6,069) | US$ 5,265 (R$ 26,761) | 115 |
| Pioneiros | US$ 14.36 (R$ 73.00) US$ 10.96 (R$ 56) to US$ 17.53 (R$ 89) | US$ 1,005 (R$ 5,110) | US$ 4,056 (R$ 20,616) | 438 |
| Praia dos Amores | US$ 14.17 (R$ 72.00) US$ 11.71 (R$ 60) to US$ 16.37 (R$ 83) | US$ 992 (R$ 5,040) | US$ 3,249 (R$ 16,514) | 110 |
| Centro | US$ 11.88 (R$ 60.40) US$ 8.78 (R$ 45) to US$ 16.86 (R$ 86) | US$ 832 (R$ 4,228) | US$ 3,980 (R$ 20,227) | 2,236 |
| Nações | US$ 11.79 (R$ 59.90) US$ 9.17 (R$ 47) to US$ 14.48 (R$ 74) | US$ 825 (R$ 4,193) | US$ 2,833 (R$ 14,401) | 123 |
| Ariribá | US$ 10.66 (R$ 54.20) US$ 7.77 (R$ 40) to US$ 12.71 (R$ 65) | US$ 746 (R$ 3,794) | US$ 2,997 (R$ 15,231) | 47 |
| Vila Real | US$ 9.84 (R$ 50.00) US$ 8.48 (R$ 43) to US$ 10.74 (R$ 55) | US$ 689 (R$ 3,500) | US$ 2,020 (R$ 10,265) | 61 |
| Barra | — | — | US$ 2,012 (R$ 10,224) | 24 |
| Estados | — | — | US$ 3,443 (R$ 17,501) | 32 |
| Municípios | — | — | US$ 2,419 (R$ 12,295) | 41 |
| Nova Esperança | — | — | US$ 1,702 (R$ 8,649) | 21 |
View sources
Source: A Corrida dos Bairros, Balneário Camboriú, data by neighborhood (value = median of listings) (collected Oct 2026, accessed Oct 1, 2026). Only neighborhoods with at least 15 listings are included. The middle range runs from the 1st to the 3rd quartile of listings. 70 m² apartment: calculated by this site. An asking price is not a contract price.
Under construction. A profile of each neighborhood (shops, noise, street flooding, ocean views) from people who live there. We only publish it here once there is a source with a date. No made-up numbers.
Safety
Homicides
In 2024, Balneário had an estimated rate of 9.4 homicides per 100,000 residents. Among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents, it was the 9th lowest rate. For comparison: Jaraguá do Sul had 2.0 and neighboring Itajaí, 16.4.
View sources
Source: Atlas da Violência 2026 (Ipea/FBSP), estimated homicide rate, via NSC Total (2024 data, published May 26, 2026).
Under construction. Theft and robbery by neighborhood (the SC Public Security Department publishes data by municipality; we are organizing it). We only publish it here once there is a source with a date. No made-up numbers.
Jobs and wages
Average formal-sector wage
US$ 696 (R$ 3,539.94) a month in 2024, below the Santa Catarina average (US$ 758 (R$ 3,852.97)). Among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents, it was the 8th highest average wage.
View sources
Source: IBGE, Central Business Register (CEMPRE), SIDRA table 9509 (2024 data).
Jobs and businesses
Over the last five years, Balneário created fewer formal jobs than its neighbors, but led in new businesses and MEIs (Brazil’s simplified sole-proprietor registration). It is a city of very small businesses, services and tourism.
View sources
Source: Página 3, jobs (Caged) and new businesses (Jucesc) (Jul 13, 2026).
Schools
IDEB for public schools
In IDEB 2023 (Brazil’s official public-school quality index, 0–10), public schools scored 5.9 in grades 1–5 and 4.9 in grades 6–9. Among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents, it had the 9th highest average of the two scores.
See the score of each public school
View sources
Source: INEP, IDEB 2023 for public schools by municipality (2023).
Health care: hospitals, UPAs and clinics
The main public referral hospital is Hospital Regional Ruth Cardoso, in the Municípios neighborhood. For urgent care through SUS (Brazil’s public health system) there are two 24-hour urgent care centers (UPA), in Nações and in Barra. The list comes from the Ministry of Health’s official registry.
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →
| Facility | Type | Neighborhood | Accepts SUS? | Inpatient beds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital do Coração Balneário Camboriú | General hospital | Pioneiros | No (private or health plan) | Yes |
| Hospital Regional Ruth Cardoso | General hospital | Municípios | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Unimed Litoral | General hospital | Dos Pioneiros | No (private or health plan) | Yes |
| Unimed Litoral | Specialized hospital | Ariribá | No (private or health plan) | Yes |
| UPA Unidade de Pronto Atendimento da Barra | 24-hour urgent care (UPA) | Barra | Yes | No |
| UPA Unidade de Pronto Atendimento Nações | 24-hour urgent care (UPA) | Nações | Yes | No |
See the 13 SUS public primary-care clinics (UBS)
- UBS Ariribá (Ariribá)
- UBS Central 2 (Centro)
- UBS Central (Centro)
- UBS Barra (Da Barra)
- UBS Nações (Das Nações)
- UBS Estados (Dos Estados)
- UBS Municípios (Dos Municípios)
- Unidade Odontológica Básica Central (Estados)
- UBS Estaleirinho (Estaleirinho)
- UBS Nova Esperança (Nova Esperança)
- UBS Pontal Norte (Pioneiros)
- UBS São Judas Tadeu (São Judas Tadeu)
- UBS Vila Real (Vila Real)
View sources
Source: CNES, National Registry of Health Facilities (Ministry of Health open data API) (queried Oct 1, 2026). Only active facilities of the hospital, urgent care and UBS types. Call before you go: hours and services change.
Health indicators
Infant mortality: 7.8 per 1,000 live births (2022–2025 average), the 4th lowest among the 14 cities. Sewer: 97.6% of residents connected to the system, the highest share among the 14.
View sources
Source: IBGE Cidades with Ministry of Health data (SIM/SINASC); average calculated by this site (2022 to 2025; 2025 may be preliminary); IBGE Cidades, 2022 Census (indicator 60030) (2022).
Climate and high season
High season
In summer the city fills up. For New Year’s Eve 2025/26 alone, City Hall estimated more than a million people. Residents feel it in traffic, lines and noise from December through Carnival.
View sources
Source: ND+, City Hall estimate for New Year's Eve (2025/26). The number is a City Hall estimate.
Under construction. Month-by-month temperature and rainfall from an official weather station (INMET or Epagri/Ciram). We only publish it here once there is a source with a date. No made-up numbers.
Beaches and leisure
Praia Central and beach water quality
In 2021 the sand strip at Praia Central was widened from about 25 to about 70 meters; before that, the shadow of the high-rises covered the sand by mid-afternoon. In the IMA (state environmental agency) bulletin of Sep 24, 2026, 12 of the 15 points tested were suitable for swimming, and 2 points on Praia Central were unsuitable.
Beach water quality changes every week: check the current IMA bulletin before you go.
View sources
Source: NSC Total, beach widening (2021); IMA/SC, beach water quality report (bulletin of Sep 24, 2026).
Under construction. Parks, trails, undeveloped beaches (Estaleiro, Estaleirinho, Taquaras) and cultural events, with sources. We only publish it here once there is a source with a date. No made-up numbers.
Risks: heavy rain and street flooding
Street flooding
In January 2025, Balneário declared a state of emergency because of rain, with stretches of Avenida Atlântica flooded. Before renting, ask whether the street floods and check with Civil Defense.
Balneário Camboriú Civil Defense · SC Civil Defense (SMS alerts: text your postal code (CEP) to 40199).
View sources
Source: Poder360, state-of-emergency decree due to rain (Jan 16, 2025); Santa Catarina Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) (accessed Oct 1, 2026).
Pros and cons of living in Balneário Camboriú
The good
- Highest share of residents on the sewer system among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents (97.6%).
- Infant mortality among the lowest of the 14 (7.8 per 1,000).
- Free city buses since 2023 (confirmed through May 2026; may change).
- Urban beach with a wide strip of sand and lots of services nearby.
The downsides
- The highest average advertised rent of the 14 cities: US$ 12.53 (R$ 63.70) per m².
- Average wage below the SC average: the math works better for people who bring income from elsewhere.
- Public-school IDEB (5.9 | 4.9) below the top scores among the 14 cities (6.9 | 5.7).
- Packed summers and streets that flood in heavy rain.
View sources
Source: IBGE Cidades, 2022 Census (indicator 60030) (2022); IBGE Cidades with Ministry of Health data (SIM/SINASC); average calculated by this site (2022 to 2025; 2025 may be preliminary); NSC Total, fare-free buses in Balneário Camboriú (May 9, 2026); A Corrida dos Bairros, apartment listings (value = median of listings, excluding condo fee and property tax) (Sep 2026, accessed Sep 26, 2026); IBGE, Central Business Register (CEMPRE), SIDRA table 9509 (2024 data); INEP, IDEB 2023 for public schools by municipality (2023).
Who it suits
People with income from elsewhere (a pension, remote work, their own business) who want to live near the ocean, with services, hospitals and shops close by.
Who it doesn’t suit
People who will depend on the city’s average wage to pay rent, or people who want peace and quiet in summer.
Balneário Camboriú or Camboriú?
Two neighboring cities, two budgets
Camboriú is a separate city, right next to Balneário. In May 2026, a 2-bedroom apartment for rent started at about US$ 413 (R$ 2,100) in Camboriú, versus US$ 630 (R$ 3,200) in Balneário. But Camboriú’s average wage is lower (US$ 594 (R$ 3,019)) and its public schools also score lower (IDEB 5.6 and 4.8).
Compare Balneário, Camboriú and Itajaí side by side
View sources
Source: NSC Total, rent in Camboriú and Balneário Camboriú (listings) (May 2, 2026); IBGE, Central Business Register (CEMPRE), SIDRA table 9509 (2024 data); INEP, IDEB 2023 for public schools by municipality (2023).
Homes for sale in Balneário Camboriú
New developments and move-in ready homes, with developers’ list prices and a price analysis of the neighborhood.
Marcelo's Table
Coming soon: Marcelo's visits to restaurants in Balneário Camboriú. Only places where he actually ate make it here, with the date of the visit and what he ordered. No lists copied from the internet and no paid recommendations.
Want to suggest a place? Send it on Instagram @marcelo.mudeiprasc.
Videos from the channel
A video just about Balneário Camboriú is coming soon to the channel. In the meantime, the video below compares SC cities using data:
FAQ about living in Balneário Camboriú
How much is rent in Balneário Camboriú?
The average advertised rent for apartments was US$ 12.53 (R$ 63.70) per m² in Sep 2026, the highest among the 14 largest cities in SC. A 70 m² apartment costs around US$ 877 (R$ 4,459) a month, excluding condo fee and property tax (IPTU) (listings, A Corrida dos Bairros).
Is Balneário Camboriú safe?
The estimated rate was 9.4 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2024 (Atlas da Violência 2026). Among the 14 SC cities with more than 100,000 residents, it had the 9th lowest rate.
What is the difference between Balneário Camboriú and Camboriú?
They are two different neighboring cities. Balneário Camboriú split off from Camboriú in 1964 and sits on the coast; Camboriú is farther inland. In May 2026, a 2-bedroom rental in Camboriú started at US$ 413 (R$ 2,100), versus US$ 630 (R$ 3,200) in Balneário (listings, via NSC Total).
What are the public schools like in Balneário Camboriú?
In IDEB 2023 (Brazil’s official public-school quality index, 0–10), public schools scored 5.9 in grades 1–5 and 4.9 in grades 6–9. That is lower than Jaraguá do Sul and Joinville (6.9 and 5.7). Each school’s score is on the schools page.
Are buses free in Balneário Camboriú?
City buses have been fare-free since June 2023. That was still the case in May 2026, but the bidding for the new operator was suspended by the State Audit Court (Tribunal de Contas) and the emergency contract expired on Oct 4, 2026. Check with City Hall (Prefeitura) before counting on it.
Real estate broker
Marcelo · licensed real estate broker · CRECI-SC 78667
Moving to SC? Talk to me
Tell me the city, the type of property and your timeline. I reply personally on WhatsApp, in English, with what I have checked, including what doesn't fit. We don't have an email list yet: when it opens, we'll announce it here.
WhatsApp +55 (47) 99119-8143 · Marcelo · licensed real estate broker · CRECI-SC 78667. WhatsApp opens with a ready-made message; this site does not store your data. See the privacy policy.
View sources
Informational content, updated Oct 1, 2026. Asking prices and list prices are not contract prices. This is not a recommendation to buy property.
Approximate values converted at the Central Bank of Brazil PTAX rate of Oct 16, 2026 (US$ 1 = R$ 5.0826). Prices are set in Brazilian reais (R$).