Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $177
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $255
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Fortaleza Airport Shared Transfer: $34
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private transfer to Ilha Grande.: $930
- From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $467
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $467
- Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $467
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $467
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $467
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $467
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- Arrival Transfer: Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Angra dos Reis by Van: $246
- Arrival Private Transfer: GIG or SDU Airport to Arraial do Cabo by Sedan Car: $241
- From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Rio de Janeiro $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza
For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $27
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$0.78
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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.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $88
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $21
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $49
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $98
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $273
- 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $275
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $173
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Rio de Janeiro $12
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: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $55
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Rio de Janeiro.
In the summer, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 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 JanuaryFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In April, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit.
Fortaleza is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 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 JulyFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro.
In the spring, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 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.