Photic News: Global Real Estate - cost of living

• Rents for high-end flats of the type commonly let by expatriates are the most expensive in the world, at nearly $12,000 a month. 
• ECA International, a human-resources consultancy, compiled the ranking, which looked at rents of comparable apartments with similar proximity to international schools, embassies and "social focal points". 
• Geneva and São Paulo both climbed six places up the table from their positions last year, as rents shot up around 30% in 12 months. 
• But Abu Dhabi, the only city in our chart where rents fell, dropped nine places as its three-year housing slump continued.