Meal prices in Pipa and some restaurants in natal are not far off Europe, wine is far more expensive! Hotel prices asked in Pipa during December where the same or higher (approx GBP£60 per night) to better accomodation in Europe. Car hire here is more expansive than Spain or Portugal, petrol the same or more. Taxis generally cheaper, a bottle of beer maybe 25% cheaper as I said wine prices a scandal. This place is nowhere near as cheap as people think and it is a bit like the USAit is all the add ons....a few Reis here and there as tips etc. It is certainly not as cheap now as it was 1/5 years ago and I would guess Rio/SP are no cheaper than most other world cities. The only difference is that yes if you go a few blocks back there are local prices like there is in the property market but most gringo tourists don't want to sit in a mud hut to save a few pennies. If you go to a supermarket anything electrical is double the Uk cost as is anything such as cosmetics soaps etc etc.......the only things cheaper are fruit fish and meat...even drinks..certainly soft drinks are the same or more expensive than the UK..how do I know it's my business! Coca Cola for example wholesale cost is 10% more expensive than the UK...and nmore expensive than local beer but with no duty on it! So Mr Broad, just more of your "assumptions" which look too much on the bright side as it suits your mission!