If you're considering building a web application using Ruby on Rails, one of the first steps is to hire the right developers for the job. But where do you start? Two popular nearshore locations for hiring Ruby on Rails developers are Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo, Brazil. Both cities offer skilled talent at competitive rates, but each comes with its own set of advantages. In this blog, we’ll compare these two cities based on key factors like cost, time zone compatibility, and the overall developer experience, helping you make the best decision for your project. Whether you're looking to save on development costs or need to align your team’s work hours with yours, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of hiring Ruby on Rails developers in Monterrey vs. São Paulo.

Learn more about the complete guide to hiring Latin American developers.

Benefits of Hiring RoR Developers

Ruby on Rails (RoR) developers specialize in building web applications using the Ruby programming language in conjunction with the Rails framework. Their primary role is to create scalable, efficient, and maintainable web applications by leveraging the convention-over-configuration principles of Ruby on Rails. These developers are well-versed in technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and many others that complement Rails to ensure smooth back-end development and seamless integration with front-end technologies. They are experts in database management, server-side scripting, and creating RESTful APIs that extend the functionality of your application.

Hiring Ruby on Rails developers offers numerous benefits, including faster development timelines and reduced maintenance costs. Rails' emphasis on simplicity and convention allows developers to build applications more efficiently, helping companies get their products to market faster. In addition, Rails developers improve the quality and stability of your project through automated testing, modular code, and reusable components. Their expertise results in fewer bugs and faster iteration, which is critical for startups and businesses looking to scale quickly.

Learn more about hiring Ruby developers in Latin America.

Hire Ruby on Rails Developers in Monterrey vs São Paulo

When deciding where to hire RoR developers, it's essential to compare key factors such as cost, time zone alignment, talent availability, language proficiency, and the overall developer ecosystem. The following radar chart provides a visual comparison between Monterrey and São Paulo, helping you evaluate which location best suits your needs.

Now, let's take a closer look at each factor in detail. We'll explore the costs of hiring, time zone advantages, developer availability, communication considerations, and the strength of the talent pool to help you make an informed decision when looking to hire RoR developers.

Cost of Hiring

Cost is always a major consideration when choosing where to hire RoR developer talent. Let’s compare the rates for Ruby on Rails developers in Monterrey vs São Paulo.

Monterrey: Monterrey offers lower costs compared to other North American cities. You can expect to pay between $5,625 and $7,500 per month for a Ruby on Rails developer with experience in Active Record, RESTful APIs, and SQL query optimization. Cost-effectiveness is one of the reasons why companies find Monterrey an attractive nearshore destination.

São Paulo: On the other hand, it tends to have higher rates, ranging from $6,250 to $8,750 per month. However, rates may vary depending on the developer's experience with RSpec for automated testing, implementation of caching with Redis, or use of background jobs with Sidekiq.

Time Zone Differences

One key aspect to consider when hiring RoR developers from Monterrey or São Paulo is the time zone. The time difference can have a significant impact on collaboration and communication with your remote development team.

Monterrey: It has a minimal time difference with most U.S. companies, which facilitates real-time collaboration for agile development and allows Ruby on Rails developers to efficiently manage Active Record database queries, optimize the performance of RESTful APIs and manage background jobs with Sidekiq. Monterrey is currently one hour ahead of San Francisco and two hours behind Miami.

São Paulo: It is usually three hours ahead of Monterrey and one hour ahead of Miami. While this difference is manageable, it can create slight delays in daily standups, sprint planning. It is currently four hours ahead of San Francisco, there is a need to coordinate with DevOps teams, especially for real-time debugging and performance monitoring.

Learn more about why time zone overlap matters for LATAM outsourcing.

Availability of Skills

Both Monterrey and São Paulo have impressive universities that contribute to the talent pool. However, the depth of experience and focus on specific technologies may vary depending on the academic environment and universities offered by each city.

Monterrey: Monterrey is home to the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, one of Mexico's top universities and ranked #3 in Mexico and 686th in the world by EduRank. The university places special emphasis on information technologies and software development, and many of its graduates excel in the use of modern web platforms such as Ruby on Rails. Its curriculum covers advanced backend technologies, databases, RESTful APIs and agile methodologies, which are key components in Ruby on Rails development.

São Paulo: In São Paulo, the University of São Paulo (USP) stands as the most prestigious educational institution in the region, ranking #1 in Latin America and #46 worldwide, according to EduRank. USP's Computer Science and Engineering programs are highly respected for producing top-notch software developers, many of whom specialize in web development technologies such as Ruby on Rails. With a broader technology ecosystem and more universities producing graduates, São Paulo has an ample talent pool.

Language and Communication

When you're hiring developers, especially from different countries, communication is key. Language skills can make or break your collaboration, especially in fast-paced development environments where clarity and speed are critical.

Monterrey: In Monterrey, Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken within the tech community. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Monterrey scores 556, indicating a high level of English proficiency, especially among software industry professionals. Many developers are bilingual, which facilitates communication with English-speaking clients and teams.

São Paulo: Portuguese is the main language in São Paulo, and while English proficiency is on the rise, it still lags behind Monterrey with an EF score of 501. This places São Paulo in the moderate proficiency range, which can occasionally present communication challenges, especially in more technical discussions or customer-facing roles. If seamless English communication is a top priority for your team, this is a factor to consider.

Talent Pool

Another key factor to consider when deciding where to hire RoR developers is the size and maturity of the local tech talent pool. Both Monterrey and São Paulo have a large pool of developers, but there are some differences.

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Monterrey: Mexico has a significant pool of tech talent, with more than 700,000 software developers across the country. In particular, about 80% of this talent is concentrated in five major tech hubs, of which Monterrey is one. Although Monterrey's developer ecosystem is still growing compared to larger cities, local talent is well versed in Ruby on Rails, especially in backend development, database structuring, and test-driven development (TDD). 

São Paulo: Brazil's software market is largely concentrated in São Paulo, which employs approximately 133,000 professionals, the majority of the country's technology workforce. With its established position as a technology hub, São Paulo offers a larger pool of Ruby on Rails developers, many of whom have years of experience building complex systems and high-traffic applications.

Hire RoR Developers with Teilur Talent

At Teilur Talent, we believe in offering transparent pricing to hire top-tier talent. Our clear pricing model ensures that you always know exactly what you're paying for. With no hidden fees, we charge no more than a 20% commission on the developer's salary, providing full visibility into your costs from day one. This makes it easier for you to plan your budget and focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Our team at Teilur Talent is dedicated to simplifying the hiring process. We don’t require minimum commitments or complex Master Services Agreements (MSA) to get started, so you can hire with ease and flexibility. Additionally, we employ a rigorous selection process to guarantee that you gain access to the best talent available. From background checks to English proficiency tests, we ensure that the developers we present are not only highly skilled but also a great cultural fit for your company.

Learn more about how Teilur Talent's pricing is disrupting the recruiting industry with transparency.

FAQ

What is an RoR developer?
A Ruby on Rails (RoR) developer is a professional who builds web applications using the Ruby programming language and the Rails framework. RoR developers specialize in backend development and are known for creating scalable, maintainable applications.

How much does it cost to hire RoR developers?
The cost of hiring a Ruby on Rails developer can vary based on location, experience, and project complexity. In Monterrey, the average rate is around $5,625 to $7,500 per month, while in São Paulo, it ranges from $6,250 to $8,750 per month. You can use our calculator to get a customized estimate based on your specific needs.

Is Ruby on Rails good for startups?
Yes, Ruby on Rails is often a great choice for startups due to its rapid development capabilities, large community support, and scalable nature. Many startups use RoR to build MVPs quickly.

What are the benefits of Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails offers several benefits, including rapid development, a large supportive community, a convention-over-configuration approach, and the ability to scale efficiently as your business grows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Monterrey and São Paulo offer distinct advantages when it comes to hiring Ruby on Rails developers. Monterrey stands out for its cost-effectiveness, minimal time zone differences with the U.S., and a growing pool of skilled developers, making it a great option for businesses looking to optimize their budget while ensuring quality. On the other hand, São Paulo offers a larger talent pool and more extensive experience with Ruby on Rails, making it ideal for those who need highly specialized skills or have more complex project requirements. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s cost savings, talent availability, or time zone compatibility. 

To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.