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

Should you visit La Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between La Plata and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

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 from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or La Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.75, 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 La Plata and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.52
    Rio de Janeiro $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $7.04
    Rio de Janeiro $136
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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 La Plata


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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.51
    Rio de Janeiro $8.15

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:

  • From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
  • Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $476
  • Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $476
  • Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $476
  • 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $476
  • Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $476
  • 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $476
  • 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: $249
  • Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro and Airports x Angra dos Reis (4 max): $247

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and La Plata 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
    La Plata $3.43
    Rio de Janeiro $21
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

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.
    La Plata $2.19
    Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

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: $51
  • 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: $103
  • 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: $288
  • 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $288
  • 2 Hours Tour with Parasailing in Rio de Janeiro: $110
  • 20 - Guided Tour to AquaRio and Olympic Boulevard: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.22
    Rio 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:

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

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


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata 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 La Plata or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Rio de Janeiro.

In the summer, La Plata is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Plata in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. La Plata usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, La Plata is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In April, La Plata usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and La Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.

La Plata is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

La Plata usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rio de Janeiro. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Rio de Janeiro.

In the spring, La Plata is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Plata in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F).

La Plata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Plata usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and La Plata

La Plata Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)