A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Addis Ababa vs. Rio de Janeiro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro?

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Addis Ababa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Addis Ababa Prices
    Ethiopia Prices
    Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Addis Ababa $38
    Rio de Janeiro $108

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $38, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Addis Ababa and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Addis Ababa $21
    Rio de Janeiro $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Addis Ababa $42
    Rio de Janeiro $118
Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Addis Ababa


Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Addis Ababa $3.72
    Rio de Janeiro $7.16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Services Addis Abeba Airport : $23
  • Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
  • Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $33
  • Addis Ababa Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $82
  • Addis Shuttles: On-Time & Reliable, Airport Transfers: $20
  • City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $22
  • City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa: $26
  • Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Rio: Carnival Ticket, Hotel, Transfers, Christ & Sugarloaf: $2,212
  • Rio: Premium Carnival Seating with Food, Drinks, & Transfers: $1,125
  • Helicopter Tour with Hotel Transfer: $532
  • 45-Min Helicopter Tour with Transfer: $397
  • Private Transfer to/from Paraty: $351
  • Maracanã Soccer Game with Transfer: $330
  • Private transfer for up to 15 passengers.: $319
  • Rio: Sector 9 Carnival Ticket & Airport/Hotel Transfer: $287
  • 30-Min Helicopter Ride with Transfers: $277
  • TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial/Cabo Frio/Angra: $272
  • Carnival Parade Rio 2025: Sambadrome Transfer (Even sectors): $249
  • TRANSFER 4 PASSENGERS GIG/SDU X Búzios/Arraial Do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Addis Ababa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Addis Ababa $14
    Rio de Janeiro $31
Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:


  • Slice of Cake
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

For Addis Ababa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner Cultural shows and best Nightlife : $21
  • Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
  • Mom's cooking class: $60
  • Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa: $62
  • Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $70
  • Addis abeba Full Cooking class.: $70
  • City Tour, Food Tour, Shopping Mercato Market : $72
  • Cooking class in Addis Ababa: $76
  • Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch: $77
  • Yod Abyssinia Cultural Night: Dinner, Music, and Dance: $86
  • Ethiopian cooking class: $95
  • Local Ethiopian Food Tour: $100

Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.53
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.70
  • Hamburger
    $0.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $41
  • Rio Cooking Class 5 meal course +caipirinhas: $48
  • Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $50
  • Rio Bar Food Tour: $58
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $63
  • Rio's Walking Food Tour: $73
  • The Best Food Tour: Taste the Most Authentic Flavours of Rio: $80
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
  • Brazilian Music at Rio Scenarium with Dinner: $89
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Rio Bar Food Tour: $99
  • Brazilian Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Addis Ababa $3.84
    Rio de Janeiro $19

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.

  • Addis Ababa City Tour: $46
  • Layover Tour with National Museum & Mercato: $48
  • Addis Ababa city tour.: $49
  • Pup crawl and nightlife tour in Addis Ababa.: $50
  • Best of Addis Ababa City Tour: $53
  • Guided City Tour: $54
  • Guided Walking Tour with National Museum: $55
  • Historical and sightseeing tour in Addis Ababa: $55
  • Addis Ababa highlight city tour: $59
  • City Highlights and Market Tour: $60
  • Half Day City Tour of Addis Ababa : $60
  • Addis Ababa city Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $134
  • A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $88
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
  • Three Tours Combo: City Tour, Angra and Rocinha Favela: $237
  • #ClimbVidigal - Favela Day Tour with photos and videos: $420
  • 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $84
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $105
  • 1 hour Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $156
  • 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
  • 11-Hour Rio de Janeiro Private City Tour: $257
  • 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Addis Ababa $3.18
    Rio de Janeiro $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

  • Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ): $58
  • Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $65
  • Pub crawl Addis Ababa: $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Pub Crawl Lapa: $23
  • Rio: Lapa Pub Crawl with Live Samba, Shots, & Drinking Game: $27
  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Rio de Janeiro - Wine Tasting of Brazilian Wines: $35
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $53
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Addis Ababa is in Africa and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in Addis Ababa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Addis Ababa. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Rio de Janeiro, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.