The square meter price of an apartment cost on average over 3,000 U.S. dollars, with Leblon achieving prices as high as 4,200 U.S. dollars per square meter.

If you're planning a trip to Rio, you might need to budget more than you think – prices in Rio de Janeiro are often on par with travel in parts of the USA or Europe. This South American cultural capital generally isn't a cheap place to visit – or to get to.

A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,292.5$ (11,795.0R$) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 646.9$ (3,328.1R$) without rent. Rio de Janeiro is 63.4% less expensive than New York (without rent). Rent in Rio de Janeiro is, on average, 88.7% lower than in New York.

Most expats in Rio live in apartments or condominiums in the more affluent Zona Sul area, which sits along the beachfront and is home to the world-famous neighbourhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Barra de Tijuca in the Zona Oeste is also a popular choice for expats in Rio.