Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Rio de Janeiro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.
Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Beijing is famous for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Rio de Janeiro is famous for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Rio de Janeiro.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Travelers visit Rio de Janeiro from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing and Rio de Janeiro can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eat your way through Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The nightlife in Rio de Janeiro is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.
The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.
Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.
Beijing is not a beach destination.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.
Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.
Beijing is not a hiking destination.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Rio de Janeiro is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.
The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. 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.
Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Rio de Janeiro is known to be 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Couples visit Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Rio de Janeiro is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.
Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Beijing is a great destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Rio de Janeiro.
Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rio de Janeiro. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. 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.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.
Beijing and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing 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 Beijing, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.
Families should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rio de Janeiro, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Rio de Janeiro, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Beijing is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Rio de Janeiro, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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.
Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rio de Janeiro. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing is $89, 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 Beijing and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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 Beijing:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
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 Beijing 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
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.
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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 Beijing:
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 Beijing and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Both Rio de Janeiro and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Beijing is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Rio de Janeiro and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Beijing is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
Beijing | Rio de Janeiro | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |