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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Rio de Janeiro $128
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 $7.06Rio de Janeiro $7.65
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: $51
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Montevideo Airport Transfers: $33
- MVD Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $24
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel Y Hotel - Aero: $22
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $42
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$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
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 $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $107
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $108
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$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
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: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Rio de Janeiro $21
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
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
- Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
- Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
- Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Tour and tasting at Bodega Santa Rosa: $26
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
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:
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $116
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $225
- Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $226
- 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:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
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.