Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Coimbra?
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 Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Coimbra Prices
Portugal PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €138Rio de Janeiro €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €98. 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 Coimbra and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Rio de Janeiro €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Rio de Janeiro €108
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra 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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Rio de Janeiro €6.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
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€2.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $54
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $81
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $42
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $183
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $149
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $105
- Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airports to Hotels and Destinations: $48
- Transfer Rio x Búzios: $67
- Transfer International Airport GIG or SDU Rio de Janeiro: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Coimbra 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 dayCoimbra €83Rio de Janeiro €29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142
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€0.48
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Corn on the Cob€0.64
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Hamburger€0.80
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 and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $41
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $75
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Seafood Cooking Class on Rio: Grill, Feast & Caipirinhas: $105
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $123
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Botequim Experience: Copacabana Bars Private Food Tour: $130
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Rio de Janeiro €18
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.96
- Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
- Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
- Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
- Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
- Coimbra City Tour : $24
- Cycle to Ancient Dolmens in Azenha. History, Theory & Folklore Guided Tour: $36
- Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
- Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: $48
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Rio de Janeiro Private City Tour: Christ, Sugarloaf & More: $165
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $167
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $288
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $269
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $65
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
- 4 horas - Tour private: Corcovado e praias: $220
- 4-hour Sum-up Of Rio de Janeiro "Private Tour" – Optional Airport & Port Pick-up: $154
- 8-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Rio de Janeiro €9.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
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 de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $86
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Coimbra is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coimbra 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra 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 Coimbra has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Coimbra is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Rio de Janeiro. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Coimbra is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
In January, Coimbra is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Coimbra is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiroin October. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.