Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGlasgow £144Rio de Janeiro £84
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is £84. 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 Glasgow and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Rio de Janeiro £53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Rio de Janeiro £106
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Rio de Janeiro £6.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $314
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $276
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $840
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $214
- Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $104
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow Airport to City centre: $65
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£2.34
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: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $471
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $471
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $471
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $471
- Helicopter Ride for 25 to 30min with Transfer service: $300
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial/Cabo Frio/Angra: $272
- From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $246
Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Rio de Janeiro £16
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
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£0.47
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Corn on the Cob£0.62
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Hamburger£0.78
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: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Glasgow £22Rio de Janeiro £17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Uncover Historic In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Glasgow's Imperial Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
- Private Historical Walking Tour: $16
- Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $18
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
- 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: $276
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $177
- 21 - Guided Tour to the Imperial City of Petrópolis with Lunch: $80
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Rio de Janeiro £9.64
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Secrets & Summer Serves at Glengoyne Distillery: $25
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $44
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $75
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $125
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $187
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $188
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $459
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: $33
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Rio de Janeiro. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
Glasgow is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Glasgow usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Glasgow is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 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 October and AprilGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Glasgow is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 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 JulyGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.
Glasgow is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Glasgow usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 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 April and OctoberGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.