By Anna Kaiser, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Continuing the 2013 Rents in Rio series for those with a bigger budget, we turn our attention to apartments in Zona Sul (South Zone) for R$10,000 per month. With a higher budget, Rio offers some of Latin America’s most luxurious housing options and R$10,000, or US$5,000, gives a wide range of high-end housing in the Cidade Maravilhosa.
Home to some of South America’s most sought after apartments, Leblon is coveted for its stunning views and some of Rio’s most up-market dining and shopping. In addition to its luxury, Leblon is known for being one of the safest neighborhoods in Rio. This unfurnished, three-bedroom, 130m² is modern and nice. Located one block from the beach, the location of this place is hard to beat.
Approximate average apartment area for this price: 70m²
Approximate average rent per m² (for a three bedroom apartment): R$68
Famous with good reason, Ipanema draws many locals and tourists due to its prime waterfront location, great shopping, and trendy bars and restaurants. An example apartment for R$10,000 per month is this furnished two bedroom, one bathroom apartment, with pool and jacuzzi in the building. This 80m² apartment is fully furnished and well-decorated with large living room and dining area with great light and two bedrooms.
Approximate average apartment area for this price: 80m²
Approximate average rent per m² (for a three bedroom apartment): R$64
“Copa” is a large neighborhood stretching along Copacabana beach. This neighborhood is Rio’s central hub for hotels and beach culture and hosts many beach concerts and the famous reveillon New Year’s Eve celebration. Generally, Copacabana is your best option for beachfront views at a better price. This three-bedroom apartment is nearly 200m² apartment is fully furnished and has ocean views.
Approximate average apartment area for this price: 90m²
Approximate average rent per m² (for a three bedroom apartment): R$43
Botafogo
Botafogo is a rising neighborhood, as many art galleries and movie theaters have moved there, giving the area an artistic flair. It is also host to numerous examples of colonial architecture and is known for its splendid view onto Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). This newly built, three bedroom apartment with a large terrace lies near to Botafogo beach, as well as the metro station. It sports 150m², a view onto Sugarloaf Mountain and Cristo and the common areas include a swimming pool and a party room.
Approximate average apartment area for this price: 200m²
Approximate average rent per m² (for a three bedroom apartment): R$42
One of Rio’s more historic neighborhoods, Flamengo is where classic meets tropical. This neighborhood is home to Rio’s older, Art Deco architecture. Flamengo is conveniently located just outside the city center and is home to Rio’s largest park. With a R$10,000 budget, Flamengo will give you more space for your money. This four-bedroom apartment on Flamengo beach has great views and two living rooms and a garage space. The apartment is spacious, charming and well-lit.
Approximate average apartment area: 250m²
Approximate average rent per m² (for a three bedroom apartment): R$40
These prices reflect Rio’s standard thirty-month leases and do not include condominium fees and IPTU taxes, which can potentially be up to R$1,000-R$2,000 per month. Also, the “seguro fiança, a type of renter’s insurance often required for long-term leases, is not included, which can add up to two or three months rent.