Rio vs Miami vs Dubai 2026: Where Millionaires Should Still Buy a Second Home
Rio de Janeiro, Miami or Dubai in 2026 – where should ultra-high-net-worth individuals still park their money in a second (or third) luxury residence?
We compared the three hottest luxury real estate markets for millionaires: current price per m², expected capital growth until 2030, gross rental yields, taxation, residency programs and real lifestyle quality.
1. Luxury Property Prices 2026 – Who is still “affordable”?
Average price per square meter in the absolute prime locations (Q4 2025 estimates):
- Dubai (Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, Emirates Hills): $9,500 – $18,000 USD/m²
- Miami (Fisher Island, Star Island, Faena House): $8,000 – $15,000 USD/m²
- Rio de Janeiro (Leblon oceanfront, Urca, Lagoa penthouses): $4,800 – $9,500 USD/m²
Winner 2026: Rio de Janeiro – you still get ocean-view penthouses and villas under $9,000/m² that would easily cost double in Miami or Dubai.
2. Capital Growth Forecast 2026–2030
- Dubai: +25–35 % (driven by Expo legacy & crypto money)
- Miami: +20–30 % (continued influx from New York & Latin America)
- Rio de Janeiro: +40–65 % (Golden Visa boom + infrastructure in Barra Olímpica & Porto Maravilha)
Winner: Rio – highest projected appreciation among the three.
3. Gross Rental Yields (Prime Locations)
- Dubai: 5–7 % (short-term holiday lets dominate)
- Miami: 4–6 % (strong seasonal demand)
- Rio de Janeiro: 6–9 % (Carnival, New Year, growing corporate long-term)
Winner: Rio again – especially with professional management.
4. Taxation & Ownership Costs
- Dubai: 0 % income tax, 0 % capital gains, 4 % transfer fee
- Miami: Florida property tax ~1.1 %, US worldwide taxation for citizens
- Rio/Brazil: 0 % capital gains for individuals on primary residence, 4–6 % transfer tax, low annual IPTU (~0.4–0.8 %)
5. Residency & Golden Visa Routes 2026
- Dubai – 10-year Golden Visa from ~$540 k property
- Miami – no direct residency through real estate (EB-5 from $800 k)
- Brazil – Golden Visa expected €500 k–€700 k real estate route again in 2026/27 (currently suspended, reopening highly likely)
6. Lifestyle & Exclusivity
All three cities are spectacular – but in different ways:
- Dubai = tax-free, ultra-modern, 24/7 luxury
- Miami = American infrastructure, boating, art scene
- Rio = nature (ocean + mountain), culture, Carnival, authentic carioca lifestyle
Conclusion: The 2026 Winner for Millionaires
If you already own in Dubai or Miami and are looking for the next undervalued luxury market with the highest upside – Rio de Janeiro is the clear winner in 2026/27.
Lowest entry price + highest projected growth + strong rental yields + upcoming Golden Visa route + unbeatable natural beauty.
Ready to secure your piece of Rio before the next wave?
Contact our private client team for off-market penthouses and villas in Leblon, Ipanema, Urca and the new Barra Olímpica developments.Request Off-Market List →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for luxury real estate investment in 2026?
Prime neighborhoods (Leblon, Ipanema, Urca, Lagoa) have 24/7 private security and belong to the safest areas in South America.
Will Brazil reopen the Golden Visa via real estate in 2026?
Multiple sources and government signals point to a relaunch with a €500 k–€700 k real estate investment route in 2026/27.
Last updated: December 2025 – All figures are estimates based on current market data.
