Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Rio de Janeiro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.
Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Athens. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Athens attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Rio de Janeiro and Athens.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Rio de Janeiro can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
For foodies, Rio de Janeiro is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).
The vibe at night is fantastic in both Athens and Rio de Janeiro.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.
Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.
Athens is not a beach destination.
Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.
Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.
Athens is not a hiking destination.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Rio de Janeiro specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.
Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.
Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Both Athens and Rio de Janeiro are very good family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.
Rio de Janeiro is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
For backpackers, both Athens and Rio de Janeiro are fantastic places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.
Athens is a great destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.
Athens and Rio de Janeiro both offer very good public transit to get you around.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.
Athens and Rio de Janeiro are very good when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.
Athens and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.
Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rio de Janeiro that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Athens if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rio de Janeiro.
Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Athens is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €103. 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 Athens and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Athens 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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.
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 Athens has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Athens is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Rio de Janeiro and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
Both Rio de Janeiro and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Athens is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Athens is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
Athens | Rio de Janeiro | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |