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

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

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $110, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $108. 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 Jerusalem and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $66
    Rio de Janeiro $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $132
    Rio de Janeiro $136
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.88
    Rio de Janeiro $8.15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.24
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Amman Private Transfer: $200
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $151
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $220

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
    $3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (GIG): $13
  • Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $16
  • Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $16
  • Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $18
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Rio de Janeiro City Center -Airport (SDU): $19
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU) - Rio City Center: $19
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (SDU): $19
  • Shared Transfer From or To Airport: $19
  • Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
  • One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $20
  • Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $22
  • Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Rio de Janeiro: $22

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

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $32
    Rio de Janeiro $21
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.75
  • Watermelon
    $4.12
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $16
  • Juice
    $2.75
  • Bagels
    $8.24
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $110
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $172

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
    $0.60
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.80
  • Hamburger
    $1.00

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: $47
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $74
  • 9-Recipes Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $85
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
  • Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $93
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $107
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $114
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.73
    Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $35

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App : $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Must See Israel Self-Guided Video Tour: $13
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $19
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $24
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus City Tour: $29
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

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

  • A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
  • Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.96
  • Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
  • Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
  • Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Rio de Janeiro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.94

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 in Lapa: $30
  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl in Lapa: $42
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $58
  • 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: $134


When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jerusalem is in Middle East and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.

In July, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 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
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Rio de Janeiro. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Jerusalem is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 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
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.

In the winter, Jerusalem is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 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
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 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
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)