Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Rio de Janeiro $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $122. 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 Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.04Rio de Janeiro $8.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $70
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
- Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared One-Way Transfer: Airport ↔ Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel O Hotel - Aero: $23
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo: $40
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $81
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$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Premium Carnival Seating with Food, Drinks, & Transfers: $1,684
- Rio Carnival 2027 Sambadrome Ticket with Transfer: $1,100
- Rio Carnival Parade: Costume Experience + Transfer Included: $662
- Rio Carnival 2027: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer: $534
- Rio's 2027 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer: $534
- 45-Min Helicopter Tour with Transfer: $445
- 30-Min Helicopter Ride with Transfers: $322
- 20-Minute Helicopter Tour with Flight to Christ the Redeemer and Shuttle Transfers: $320
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $270
- Rio: Maracanã Soccer Match | Ticket & Safe Transfer & Guide: $267
- Private Airport Transfers | Round Trip: $260
- Sugarloaf Mountain Sunrise Experience with Breakfast & Transfer: $253
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22Rio de Janeiro $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Montevideo Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $65
- Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
- Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant: $100
- Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $107
- Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
- Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221
- Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $250
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$0.60
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
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.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.21
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Afro-Brazilian Street Food Tour: $62
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
- Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
- Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
- Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
- Bodegas Carrau Winery Tour with Tastings: $25
- Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo: $25
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $65
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $122
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $264
- 2 Days Private Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $409
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $202
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $284
- 2 Days: Corcovado & City Tour + Arraial do Cabo: $186
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $69
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $44
- 3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour: $45
- 4 horas - Tour private: Corcovado e praias: $220
- 4-Hour Guided Kayak Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
- Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
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 at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Botafogo Bar Crawl - Eat & Drink like a Local: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Lapa Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $41
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Montevideo is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Montevideo is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Montevideo is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Montevideo 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. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.