Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Rio de Janeiro $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $122. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Rio de Janeiro $8.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $118
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Luxury Van: $145
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $145
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $128
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $145
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $68
- Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $118
- Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $118
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $111
- Buenos Aires : Aljibe, Tango and folklore show with Transfers.: $72
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$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $135
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $73
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $136
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.95Rio de Janeiro $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $41
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Skip-the-Line El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with optional Dinner & Transfers: $48
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
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$0.60
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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.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.20
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Afro-Brazilian Street Food Tour: $61
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.30
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.29
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $9.48
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- Graffiti Tour: $14
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
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 de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.57
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.43
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Free walking tour around Histórico Rio Downtow and Lapa: $12
- Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo: $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $70
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
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 at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Botafogo Bar Crawl - Eat & Drink like a Local: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Lapa Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $41
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 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 JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rio de Janeiro. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 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 JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Rio de Janeiro. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.