Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro?
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
-
Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $145Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, 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 Gothenburg and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $46Rio de Janeiro $64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $92Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $21Rio de Janeiro $7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
-
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 Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Gothenburg 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGothenburg $76Rio de Janeiro $34
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Popcorn$0.56
-
Corn on the Cob$0.75
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Rio de Janeiro $21
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self Guided Tour in Gothenburg: $3.58
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $8.63
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $15
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $19
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $24
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
- City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $28
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gothenburg:
- Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66
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 Gothenburg and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Gothenburg is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°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. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, 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, Gothenburg is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°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. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Gothenburg 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.
Gothenburg is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 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.