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.

Rent in Rio de Janeiro is about 88% lower than in New York City, making it an extremely affordable city to live in. Even without factoring in rent, the overall cost of living is almost 60% lower than in NYC. A one-bedroom apartment in Rio de Janeiro can cost as little as $450 per month, depending on where you live.

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.

Usually, expats tend to stick to Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca depending on their lifestyle. Barra da Tijuca tends to be more appropriate for families with kids due to the size of properties, safety and the surrounding areas. There are many malls in this area and there is a large expat community.