Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Cairo?
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 Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Rio de Janeiro?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $31Rio de Janeiro $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $121. 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 Cairo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $10Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $20Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.53Rio de Janeiro $8.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $50
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Days Tours package Include airport transfers (Cairo & Alexandria): $208
- 2 Private day tours in Giza pyramids and Cairo city with 2 airport Transfers: $155
- 24/7 Private Transfer Cairo, Airport, or Giza to/from New Capital: $21
- 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $240
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from El Cairo to Alexandria: $81
- 4 Hours Private Transfer in Cairo: $113
- 4 days Cairo ,2 tours Giza pyramids, Cairo museum& old Cairo 2 airport transfers: $155
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$2.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $127
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro: $122
- 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 Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port to Zona Sul: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Paraty: $232
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Cairo 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 dayCairo $16Rio de Janeiro $35
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
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$0.98
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.
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Carioca Kitchens Rio de Janeiro Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- Rio Historic Downtown and Lapa Street Food Tour Full Meal: $95
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $101
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $107
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.46Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.78
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.02
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $2.50
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $4.00
- Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis: $4.00
- Full-Day Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Saqqara&Memphis All-Inclusive Tour: $4.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $4.50
- Chep Full Day tour Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Camel Ride &Quad Bike: $4.50
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- Luxury Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum: $4.74
- All-Inclusive Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Inside Pyramid Tour: $5.00
- Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
- Private 6-Hour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Nile Felucca Tour: $5.00
- Private Tour to Pyramids with Professional Photographer: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ipanema Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.43
- Rio de Janeiro Urca Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.43
- Salvador Pelourinho Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.94
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.23
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $19
- Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
- Skip the Line Maracana Stadium Entrance Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.37Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69
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:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Rio de Janeiro?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cairo or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. 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 July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 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 JanuaryCairo 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the 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.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 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 October and AprilCairo 23°C (73°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cairo is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 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 JulyCairo 14°C (57°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 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 April and OctoberCairo 21°C (70°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Cairo
| Cairo | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.