A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Rio de Janeiro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

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. The peak time to visit is during the city's famous Carnival festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in the world. However, Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year around. The city has a wonderful natural harbour that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting. And you can't miss the beach, either!

Which city is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $42, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $81. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $26
    Rio de Janeiro $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $52
    Rio de Janeiro $102
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $2.48
    Rio de Janeiro $6.25
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.15
  • Local Bus
    $0.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $109
  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2 Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Transfers: $500
  • 2m Transfer: $85
  • 4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers: $350
  • 4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer: $474
  • Air Transfer Lines | Airport Transfer Service: $44
  • Airport Transfer, Hotel Tranfer, Shuttle Service, Taxi Service: $26
  • Airport private transfer to hotel and back: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfers from New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $123
  • City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers: $87

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
    $2.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $14
  • Private Departure Transfer from Rio de Janeiro City or Copacabana to SDU Airport: $19
  • Executive Transfers - Rio de Janeiro - Santos Dumont Airport SDU: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Rio de Janeiro: $21
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Rio de Janeiro to Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $21
  • Private Departure Transfer from Rio de Janeiro City or Copacabana to GIG Airport: $22
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $22
  • Shared Transfer from hotels to Rio de Janeiro airport: $22
  • Private Airport Transfer: Galeao International Airport (GIG) to Rio de Janeiro: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Galeao International Airport (GIG): $23
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport to City: $23
  • Transfer in Private Car from Galeao Airpor t(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro city center: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul 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 day
    Istanbul $11
    Rio de Janeiro $15
Typical Food prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.11
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.03
  • Dessert
    $0.45
  • Pastries
    $0.08

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $29
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer: $34
  • Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ): $35
  • Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive): $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul: $37
  • Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner: $37
  • Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus: $38
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $39
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony: $40

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
    $0.58
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.77
  • Hamburger
    $0.96

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.

  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro: $30
  • Cooking Class for Cacao Lovers: $51
  • Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $55
  • Plant-based Brazilian Flavours Cooking Class: $56
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $60
  • Private Tour in Rio Scenarium with Dinner: $65
  • Skip the line: Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $70
  • Dinner and Brazilian Music Show in Rio Scenarium: $70
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $72
  • Small-Group Boozy 7-Recipe Brazilian Cooking Class: $75
  • Food Tour Experience in Rio de Janeiro (Small Groups or Private): $80
  • Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $15
    Rio de Janeiro $17
Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $1.06
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $1.06
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.53
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.58

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines: $8.71
  • VR Dervish Experience: $10
  • Museum of Illusions Istanbul Ticket: $11
  • Piri Self-Guided Audio Tour: Istanbul, Historical Peninsula: $11
  • Old City Insider Walking Tour: $11
  • Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App: $11
  • Basilica Cistern VIP Tickets: $12
  • Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a: $12
  • Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque&Hippodrome Guided Tours Everyday /No que / No line!: $12
  • Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center Entrance Ticket: $14
  • SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket: $14
  • Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rio Line Panoramic City Tour - Boulevard Route: $10
  • Inside Rio Photography Walking Tour: $10
  • Hiking Tour to Pedra do Telégrafo (Telegraph Stone): $12
  • Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School: $16
  • Rocinha Lucky Tour: $16
  • Rio Street Art Experience 2 Hours: $19
  • Christ the Redeemer and Escadaria Selarón Half-Day Tour: $19
  • 2 Hour Vidigal Favela Tour Discovery the Most Laidback Favela: $19
  • Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport: $20
  • Historical Downtown and Lapa - Walking Tour: $20
  • Favela Tour -The path of Michael Jackson in Rio: $20
  • Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $3.80
    Rio de Janeiro $9.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul: $427

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:

  • Pub Crawl Rio de Janeiro: $11
  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $19
  • Skip the line: Ipanema Pub Crawl: $28
  • Beautiful Imperial Petropolis City Tour Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $34
  • Rio By Night Tour: Pub Crawl Experiencing Music, Dancing, Drinks & Local Culture: $105
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $135
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $160

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.


When is the best time to visit Istanbul 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 Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Rio de Janeiro stays around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro stays around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January are around 6°C (43°F), and Rio de Janeiro is about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Rio de Janeiro stays around 23°C (73°F).

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul

Istanbul Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)


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Istanbul vs. Rio de Janeiro Travel Comparison

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