O Carnaval It can be a moment of lightness and lots of fun. But, one factor has heavy the foliage in the last decade and can warm your pockets this year: the prices. A survey by Rico shows that products related to the traditional festival here in Brazil have become 79% more expensive.
This variation in values even exceeded inflation in the country in the last 10 years. During the period, the IPCA (Broad Consumer Price Index) registered an increase of 64.77%, according to data released by IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
According to Rico’s research analyst, “this price increase tends to follow inflation, but when we relate it to the consumer’s total income, there is no follow-up.”
Salty beer
The increase in the price of the carnival basket was driven by beer, which increased by 58.18% in the last decade. During the year, it was also the most expensive product, rising 5.97%.
In São Paulo, for example, a 269ml Spaten cost R$13 in 2025 and rose to R$14 this year — 7.69% more expensive, according to data from São Paulo City Hall.
The 350ml Corona Extra increased by 10%, going from R$10 last year to R$11 in 2026.
Among the brands with prices designated by the city council for street vendors, Budweiser was the only one that kept its price stable last year, at R$12.
The alcoholic beverages segment, in general, is the biggest culprit behind price increases during the festivities, with an increase of 80.76% in 10 years.
But the horizon ahead could be more positive. In the comparison of just one year, the group had a drop in prices of 2.88% — showing a turnaround in the short period.
According to Rico, this scenario occurs because of the increase in the cost of inputs necessary for the production of beverages, such as malt and aluminum for cans.
Wine, in turn, presented lower inflation in the period analyzed, with an increase of 0.8% in the last 12 months.
Props
And it’s not just drinks that weigh heavily on consumers’ pockets when preparing to enjoy Carnival. Items linked to the carnival look also became more expensive.
Jewelry accumulated inflation of 61.76% in 10 years and 9.88% in the last 12 months.
“The increase in the price of gold, for example, is a possible example of elasticity of demand. When you have an increase in jewelry, one of the biggest ones affected by inflation, you have a demand that can migrate to costume jewelry and, naturally, ends up impacting the prices of these items”, says Sanches.
The rise in the dollar is one of the factors highlighted by the survey to explain the increase in prices. The exchange rate scenario makes inputs such as metals and synthetic stones more expensive and increases production costs.
Last year, and it has varied greatly amid trade and geopolitical tensions.
In this way, makeup also becomes more expensive, having shown an increase in prices of 35.16% in the last decade.
Rico’s study also shows that those who intend to travel during the carnival period also need to prepare their finances.
Airline tickets rose 74.23% in 10 years, while interstate bus tickets rose 54.91%.
The most pressured travel costs are consequences of the price of fuel, exchange rate, demand and adjustments in supply.
In addition, beauty services, such as hairdressing and barbering, also underwent adjustments, reaching 8.07% in the last 12 months.
For Maria Giulia Figueiredo, research analyst at Rico, it is possible to circumvent this scenario. Planning your expenses in advance, looking for promotions and considering more economical alternatives are some tips to avoid compromising your budget during the festivities.
