Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Colonia del Sacramento?
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 Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Rio de Janeiro $7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
- Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
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$2.82
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 Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Transfer service to/from Rio and Angra dos Reis / Conceição de J.: $106
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $150
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $106
- Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $32
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airports to Hotels and Destinations: $48
- Transfer Rio to Búzios, Arraial Do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Angra dos Reis: $150
- Transfer International Airport GIG or SDU Rio de Janeiro: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $31Rio de Janeiro $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
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: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- 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.Colonia del Sacramento $23Rio de Janeiro $21
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Promo Walking Tour from April to September: $12
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $17
- Walking Tour to Colonia del Sacramento, english, portuguese german: $20
- Walking Tour in Group in Colonia del Sacramento: $22
- Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $22
- Gastronomic Experience: Artisan Wines & Flavors of Uruguay: $24
- Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Historical Walking Tour: $27
- Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
- Guided tour with mate and Martín Fierro dessert, the best of Uruguay: $45
- City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.64Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $28
- Colonia del Sacramento Private Walking Tour with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $97
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo : $250
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:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 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 JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro. Also, most visitors 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 during these months.
Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JulyColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 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 OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.