Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
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 from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €175Rio de Janeiro €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €175, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €91. 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 Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Rio de Janeiro €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Rio de Janeiro €114
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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.
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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Rio de Janeiro €6.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to 's-Hertogenbosch: $292
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $276
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $157
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Den Helder: $258
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hilversum: $157
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoorn: $185
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Leiden: $129
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zaandam: $107
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam city to Airport: $110
- AMS Schiphol Airport VIP Meet and Assist Pickup (with Hotel Private Transfer): $193
- Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ The Hague City : $215
- Airport Transfer: Schiphol Airport AMS to Amsterdam by Luxury Car: $114
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride€2.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer: $477
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $70
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $123
- Arrival Private Transfers from Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Arrival Private Transfers from Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro: $113
- Botanic Garden and Parque Lage Guided Tour & Transfer: $72
- Carnival Parade at the Sapucaí 2025 with transfer: $474
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
- Departure Private Transfers from Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG: $113
- Departure private transfer from Barra da Tijuca to Rio GIG Airport by Sedan: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Amsterdam 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
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Food Meals for one dayAmsterdam €43Rio de Janeiro €17
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.29
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $14
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $26
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Pizza Cruise in Amsterdam Including Drinks and Ice Cream: $41
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $44
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $52
- 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $57
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $61
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn€0.51
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Corn on the Cob€0.67
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Hamburger€0.84
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 & Live Music Experience: $50
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $61
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $66
- Rio's Walking Food Tour: $77
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $81
- Food Tour Experience in Rio de Janeiro - Private Tour: $86
- On the Beach Seafood BBQ Cooking Class: $105
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Copacabana with Hotel Pickup: $140
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
- Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner : $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €37Rio de Janeiro €19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.09
- Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $1.09
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
- The Amsterdam Walking Tour 2 hours: $3.26
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
- Dark History of the City Walking Tour: $3.26
- City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.26
- Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.30
- Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.30
- Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $3.30
- Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.30
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.30
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.88
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.88
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $8.06
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $8.06
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.06
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Rio Experience: Caipirinha Workshop (2 Caipis) + Funk Class: $9.29
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $9.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
- Rio de Janeiro Ferris Wheel Ticket - Yup Star: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Rio de Janeiro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $21
- Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $22
- Breugem Meeting Point: Brewery tour and beer tasting: $23
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $26
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $27
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $28
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $40
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $49
- Red-Light District Pub Crawl and Booze Boat Tour: $53
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: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $23
- Rio: Lapa Pub Crawl with Live Samba, Shots, & Drinking Game: $24
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $33
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $119
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Rio de Janeiro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Amsterdam has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In the summer, Amsterdam is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Amsterdam is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.