Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest 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.
Where Should I go: Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 dayBucharest $139Rio de Janeiro $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $139, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $106. 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 Bucharest and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Rio de Janeiro $8.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $208
- ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $142
- Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $44
- Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $65
- Airport Transfer - Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $18
- Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $66
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $44
- Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $148
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Luxury Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
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$2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $125
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $53
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $60
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $123
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $54
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $59Rio de Janeiro $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $64
- Cooking Class traditional food: $66
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $87
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $99
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $109
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $116
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $203
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $229
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$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
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: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $5.37
- Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
- A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $16
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $18
- Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
- Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
- Virtual Reality Experience: $21
- Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $22
- Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $22
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $22
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 (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.78
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 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
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.28Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
- Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $56
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $85
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: $33
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Bucharest is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°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, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JanuaryBucharest 23°C (73°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Bucharest is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 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 AprilBucharest 13°C (55°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Rio de Janeiro. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. Bucharest is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JulyBucharest -1°C (29°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Bucharest is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 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 OctoberBucharest 12°C (54°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.