Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Luxor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luxor or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor 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: Luxor or Rio de Janeiro?
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Luxor Prices
Egypt PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $31Rio de Janeiro $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $31, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $121. 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 Luxor and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $10Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $20Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $5.25Rio de Janeiro $8.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
- Cairo Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Day Tour East & West Bank+Transfer to Aswan or Hurghada or Marsa: $105
- Day Tour from Airport to Luxor Monuments Include Lunch Transfers Entry Guide: $150
- Dendara & Abydos with return - Private transfer from Luxor: $50
- Departure Transfer From Hotel To Luxor Airport: $13
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $8.00
- Edfu Temple Private Tour from Luxor – Transfer & Guide/Ticket: $170
- Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour with Aswan Transfer from Luxor: $105
- Exclusive Luxor To Cairo or Cairo 2 luxor Transfer Relax In Style: $120
- Full day transfer Luxor-Aswan over Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo: $110
- Hassle-free Private Transfers from Luxor to Hurghada: $60
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$2.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $127
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $127
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer: $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $65
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $89
- Corcovado Train Guided Tour with Transfer: $114
- Corcovado Train and Sugarloaf Mountain Guided Tour with Transfer: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Luxor 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 dayLuxor $15Rio de Janeiro $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $13
- Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner: $30
- Luxor West Bank Tour: School, Church & Cooking Class: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
- 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
- Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
- Experience Egyptian cooking at Luxor Farm: $45
- Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
- Felucca at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $60
- Day Tour to Farm Luxor with Bread Making & Cooking Class: $62
- Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
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$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.98
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.
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Historic Downtown and Lapa Street Food Tour Full Meal: $95
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $101
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
- Roxy Dinner Show - Dinner & Show: $136
- Guided Tour to the River Scenarium with Dinner: $165
- Brazilian Cooking Class, Caipirinhas and Samba: $200
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Copacabana: $205
- Samba Show with Dinner Option: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luxor $9.66Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.53
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.54
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Camel Ride for Two$1.17
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahabiya Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan: $5.00
- Private Day tour: Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Memnon: $5.60
- Medinet Habu Temple QR Code Entry Ticket: $6.50
- Private Luxor West Bank Tour: Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut&Colossi: $7.92
- Luxor Half Day Tour : Karnak & Luxor Temples: $8.00
- Private Half-Day Luxor Tour:Valley of the Kings,Habu & Hatshepsut: $8.39
- Luxor Tour:Valley of the King&Hatshepsut Temple&colossi of Memnon: $8.41
- Private Tour: Medinet Habu,Valley of the Queens & Deir el-Medina: $8.49
- Private Half Day Tour:Valley of Kings & Hatshepsut Temple& Memnon: $8.50
- Private Tour: Valley of the Kings & Hatchepsut Temple &Tut's Tomb: $8.53
- Private luxor Tour: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon: $8.63
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ipanema Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.44
- Salvador Pelourinho Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.94
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.23
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $19
- Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
- Football Tour at Maracanã Pre game with Caipirinha and Fans: $28
- Rio de Janeiro Historical Center Walking Tour: $29
- Walking tour in Rio de Janeiro Historical Center.: $30
- Private Tour in Cosme Velho with Photographs: $30
- Little Africa Walking Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $2.89Rio 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:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luxor or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. In the summer, Luxor is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luxor in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuxor 33°C (91°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Luxor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, 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 October, Luxor is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuxor 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Luxor is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuxor 14°C (57°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Rio de Janeiro. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luxor is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luxor in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuxor 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Luxor
| Luxor | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.