Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion 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 Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Asuncion and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $56
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $78
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU) - Rio City Center: $19
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Rio de Janeiro City Center - Airport (GIG): $26
- Transfer Rio x Búzios, ARRAIAL DO CABO AND ANGRA DOS REIS: $233
- Transfer Rio to Búzios, Arraial Do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Angra dos Reis: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $17Rio de Janeiro $20
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$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.98
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: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
- Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner : $143
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
- Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $100
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $175
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 26 - Guided Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: $120
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $36
- 3 Hour Sailing Experience in Rio: $47
- 3 Hours Snorkel and Swim with Turtles Tour at Tijuca Islands : $122
- 3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10Rio de Janeiro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
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:
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Asuncion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Asuncion. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Asuncion during the summer are popular places to visit.
In January, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Rio de Janeiro.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Rio de Janeiro.
In the winter, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Asuncion usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In October, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.