Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Rio de Janeiro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Rio de Janeiro?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Moscow and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $67
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $55
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $39
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $97
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $25
- Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $18
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $21
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $76
- Transfer in Rio: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
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$0.78
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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.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $88
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
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: $49
- 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: $98
- 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: $273
- 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $275
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $173
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Rio 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: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $55
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- 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: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe 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 Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Rio de Janeiro?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow or Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Moscow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Moscow or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 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 July and JanuaryMoscow 19°C (67°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Rio de Janeiro.
Moscow is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMoscow 6°C (43°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Rio de Janeiro.
It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 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 January and JulyMoscow -8°C (17°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMoscow 7°C (45°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Moscow
| Moscow | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.