Should you visit Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Rio de Janeiro, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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. The peak time to visit is during the city's famous Carnival festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in the world. However, Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year around. The city has a wonderful natural harbour that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting. And you can't miss the beach, either!
Which city is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €133, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €81. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Amsterdam is about €154 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Rio de Janeiro is €102. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Amsterdam is €16 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €6.24 per day to get around in Rio de Janeiro.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
-
Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Viano or S-Class:
$84
-
Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer:
$58
-
Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer (Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Airport):
$83
-
Amsterdam Airport Private Departure Transfer:
$52
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfer (Airport to Hotel or address in Amsterdam) ROUND-TRIP:
$167
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfers : Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Car:
$96
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfers : Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Van:
$85
-
Amsterdam City Center - Schiphol Airport Transfer:
$143
-
Amsterdam City Center - Schiphol Airport Transfer (MiniVan):
$160
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Port in Luxury Car:
$79
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Port in Luxury Van:
$60
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Train Station in Business Car:
$52
Typical Local Transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
-
ARMORED Airport Transfer - Rio de Janeiro (COVID-19 Prepared):
$387
-
All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer:
$55
-
Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro:
$115
-
Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$61
-
AquaRio Aquarium Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer:
$58
-
Armação dos Búzios: Shared/Private Transfer to/from Rio:
$29
-
Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$115
-
Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$52
-
Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan:
$144
-
Arrival Private Transfer Galeão Airport GIG to Rio City by Business Car:
$135
-
Arrival Private Transfer Galeão Airport GIG to Rio City by Luxury Van:
$98
-
Arrival Private Transfer Rio Airport to Buzios or Cabo Frio by Minivan:
$428
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
In Amsterdam travelers spend around €33 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
The average traveler spends about €15 per day in Rio de Janeiro for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Amsterdam €33
Rio de Janeiro €15
Typical Food prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
-
Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal:
$23
-
Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise:
$40
-
Three course lunch/dinner voucher:
$42
-
Walking Food Tour:
$43
-
3 Course Dinner in the Dark:
$48
-
Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local:
$50
-
Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam:
$62
-
Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river:
$62
-
Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café:
$63
-
Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour:
$69
-
Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam:
$73
-
Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse:
$75
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
€0.57
-
Corn on the Cob
€0.76
-
Hamburger
€0.96
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.
-
Food Tour Rio de Janeiro:
$30
-
Cooking Class for Cacao Lovers:
$51
-
Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off:
$55
-
Plant-based Brazilian Flavours Cooking Class:
$56
-
Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer:
$60
-
Private Tour in Rio Scenarium with Dinner:
$65
-
Skip the line: Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option:
$70
-
Dinner and Brazilian Music Show in Rio Scenarium:
$70
-
Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar:
$72
-
Small-Group Boozy 7-Recipe Brazilian Cooking Class:
$75
-
Food Tour Experience in Rio de Janeiro (Small Groups or Private):
$80
-
Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner:
$86
Entertainment
Amsterdam's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €30 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €17 per person, per day in Rio de Janeiro. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
A tasty stroll through Pijp: An audio tour of some of Amsterdam great food spots:
$5.00
-
An Amsterdam introduction: Explore the origins of Amsterdam on an audio tour:
$5.00
-
Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.41
-
Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots Cycling Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.41
-
Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
Amsterdam Private Tour: Red Light District Exploration Game:
$5.65
-
Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights:
$5.67
-
The Red Light District self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights:
$7.45
-
Absolutely Tip-Based Walking Tour With Super Local Guide (2,5 Hours):
$8.09
-
Red Light District 1-hour Smartphone Audio Tour:
$9.06
-
Amsterdam Red Light District: A Walking Audio Tour on your Phone (1hour):
$9.94
-
Silent Disco Club Experience:
$9.95
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
Rio Line Panoramic City Tour - Boulevard Route:
$10
-
Inside Rio Photography Walking Tour:
$10
-
Hiking Tour to Pedra do Telégrafo (Telegraph Stone):
$12
-
Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School:
$16
-
Rocinha Lucky Tour:
$16
-
Rio Street Art Experience 2 Hours:
$19
-
Christ the Redeemer and Escadaria Selarón Half-Day Tour:
$19
-
2 Hour Vidigal Favela Tour Discovery the Most Laidback Favela:
$19
-
Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport:
$20
-
Historical Downtown and Lapa - Walking Tour:
$20
-
Favela Tour -The path of Michael Jackson in Rio:
$20
-
Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train:
$25
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Amsterdam may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €19 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Rio de Janeiro may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €9.46 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Distillery Tour & Tasting:
$22
-
Amsterdam Bar Crawl:
$27
-
Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl:
$31
-
Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour:
$61
-
Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings:
$67
-
4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour:
$81
-
High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$102
-
Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars:
$106
-
Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour:
$129
-
Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$152
-
Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl:
$488
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 Rio de Janeiro:
$11
-
Pub Crawl in Lapa:
$19
-
Skip the line: Ipanema Pub Crawl:
$28
-
Beautiful Imperial Petropolis City Tour Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery:
$34
-
Rio By Night Tour: Pub Crawl Experiencing Music, Dancing, Drinks & Local Culture:
$105
-
Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains:
$135
-
Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour:
$160
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.
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