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Is the word arranjar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

The difference lies in the typical usage and the semantic scope of the verb. In Brazilian Portuguese, "arranjar" is primarily used to mean "to find," "to obtain," or "to get" (e.g., finding a job or getting a new shirt). When a Brazilian wants to say they are "fixing" something broken, they almost always use the verb consertar, and when they want to say they are "tidying" a space, they use arrumar.

In Continental Portuguese, "arranjar" has a much broader scope. It is the standard, natural verb used for "fixing/repairing" and "tidying/organizing" as well as "finding/obtaining."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu preciso arranjar um emprego novo. (I need to find a new job.)
  2. Onde você arranjou esse relógio? (Where did you get this watch?)
  3. Eu vou arranjar um jeito de consertar o rádio. (I will find a way to fix the radio.)
  4. Ela arranjou uma confusão na festa. (She got into trouble at the party.) /5. Vou arranjar um jeito de arrumar o quarto. (I will find a way to tidy the room.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu preciso arranjar um emprego novo. (I need to find a new job.)
  2. Onde é que arranjaste esse relógio? (Where did you get this watch?)
  3. Eu vou arranjar o rádio. (I will fix the radio.)
  4. Ela arranjou uma confusão na festa. (She got into trouble at the party.)
  5. Vou arranjar o quarto. (I will tidy the room.)