Also counting towards the difficulty of a precise cost of living calculation is the fact that Visitors from other countries, with different currencies, might have a harder time adapting to the brazilian real, as its fluctuation on the international market directly influences the cost of living.

Although the times of uncontrolled inflation of prices are in the past nowadays, price changes are to be expected by long term or frequent visitors and residents every few months.

Branding is also a defining factor on the prices in Rio just as much as in the rest of the world - while a simple handbag can be purchased mostly anywhere for 40 reais, in top-notch stores a premium handbag could cost as much as 10.000 reais.

Because of all those issues, price perception is highly variable depending on the interpretation of the city and needs of the interested.