Low cost office locations in São Paulo
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the office locations in São Paulo for those who have a limited budget.
Firstly it worth to mention that São Paulo doesn't actually have a single financial district as you may find in other places such as in the US. Instead, you will find offices in several neighbourhoods throughout the city, especially at the south western and central areas.
Here we will list a few options that you can look into:
Sé
This charming neighbourhood with historical buildings is the traditional central area in São Paulo. In the middle of the last century this area used to be very lively and crowded with businessmen rushing around famous buildings such as Edifício Itália and Edifício Altino Arantes. However as other areas such as Avenida Paulista and Itaim Bibi began to emerge as financial centres, Sé began to decline.
Around the metro stations Sé, Anhangabaú and República you will find many office buildings with a lot of character and very affordable prices. Small 25m2 offices are priced to about BRL 500 per month including condominium fees and real estate tax (IPTU).
However, the standards of the building and offices may vary a lot, as most units were not remodelled for many decades. Another factor you must consider especially if you work late in the office is your safety. There are homeless people and pickpockets in this neighbourhood, so you should be aware of these safety issues if you are renting an office in this area.
Many streets in Sé region are car free zones, so you may find it difficult to get a parking spot. You should consider using public transport such as bus or metro to get to work in this region.
Vila Mariana
Although these cannot be called particularly cheap areas to have offices, Vila Mariana neighbourhood is a great alternative to pricey offices at the Avenida Paulista region. Prices range from BRL 900 - 1200 plus condominium fees and IPTU for small offices, which is not a bad deal considering you will be located in the heart of the city.
Also it is usual to see Vila Mariana area as an extension of Avenida Paulista, making this area very desirable both for commercial and residential purposes.
Saúde/São Judas/Conceição
These areas were essentially residential until the end of the nineties when office buildings began to flourish and quickly became popular due to the proximity to main roads that connect the area to other parts of the city. It is also just 10 - 15 minutes by car to Congonhas Airport, from which most of the domestic flights depart and arrive, making this location attractive for frequent travellers.
Along the metro stations you will find newer constructions compared to the buildings at the city centre. Some will certainly claim that the offices lack character as finishings consist usually of tile flooring and painted concrete walls, but prices are rather attractive. For a 30m2 office space, including a private half bathroom, you should expect to pay around BRL 900 plus condominium fees and IPTU. The most buildings have parking in site which is usually included in the renting price.