expenses-housing (Rio de Janeiro)

Hi all,

I was wondering if someone can tell me how much I should expect a taxi driver to charge me for a ride from the airport to Lapa ? I´m coming to Rio for the first time soon and don´t want to get ripped off.

Also, which areas are good to look for a palce to live ? I´m leaving Ipanema and Leblon aside, as it´s out of my budget, but I´ve heard Santa Teresa and Botefago are ok too. Are there any others ?

Many thanks,
Gosia