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

Should you visit Mar del 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 Mar del Plata and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $109. 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 Mar del Plata and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Rio de Janeiro $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Rio de Janeiro $136
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Mar del 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 Mar del 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Rio de Janeiro $8.23

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
    $3.03

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): $477
  • Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $477
  • Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $477
  • 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $477
  • 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $477
  • Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $477
  • 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
  • EXECUTIVE VAN Airport Transfer - Rio de Janeiro: $250
  • From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $250

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

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Mar del 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
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Rio de Janeiro $21

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
    $0.61
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.81
  • Hamburger
    $1.01

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: $41
  • Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $47
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $74
  • Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
  • 9-Recipes Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $85
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $92
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $108
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $114
  • Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Rio de Janeiro $22

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
  • (Copy of) Maracanã Stadium Football Ticket & Guide: $291
  • 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
  • 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
  • 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: $287
  • 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    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:

  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $35
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
  • 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: $57
  • Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $125
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $134


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del 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 Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

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

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

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

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

Mar del Plata is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, 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, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

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

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

In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

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

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

In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In October, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)