Should you visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Rio de Janeiro, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Munich
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.
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. The peak time to visit is during the city's famous Carnival festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in the world. However, Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year around. The city has a wonderful natural harbour that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting. And you can't miss the beach, either!
Which city is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €116, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €68. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Munich and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Munich is about €138 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Rio de Janeiro is €84. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Food
Munich food costs typically run travelers around €22 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The average traveler spends about €13 per day in Rio de Janeiro for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Munich €22
Rio de Janeiro €13
Typical Food prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
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Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress:
$200
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
€0.48
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Corn on the Cob
€0.64
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Hamburger
€0.80
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.
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Food Tour Rio de Janeiro:
$30
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Cooking Class for Cacao Lovers:
$51
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Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off:
$55
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Plant-based Brazilian Flavours Cooking Class:
$56
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Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer:
$60
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Private Tour in Rio Scenarium with Dinner:
$65
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Skip the line: Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option:
$70
-
Dinner and Brazilian Music Show in Rio Scenarium:
$70
-
Small-Group Boozy 7-Recipe Brazilian Cooking Class:
$75
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Brazilian Food And Caipirinhas Cooking Class:
$75
-
Food Tour Experience in Rio de Janeiro (Small Groups or Private):
$80
-
Secret Food Tours Rio de Janeiro:
$82
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €15 per day to get around in Munich.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €5.24 per day to get around in Rio de Janeiro.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
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Single Zone Trip on Subway
€2.30
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Inner District Subway Day Pass
€5.20
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City transport day ticket
€11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
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EXCLUSiVE OKTOBERFEST & Munich Sightseeing in Comfort Minivan + extra Transfer:
$429
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Exclusive Private Ski Course with success guarantee & Transfer to ski area from Munich:
$496
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From Munich to Frankfurt Airport - Private transfer - punctual & friendly Driver:
$344
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Friedrichshafen Airport to Munich City - One Way:
$452
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Memmingen Allgau Airport to Munich City - One Way:
$341
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Salzburg Airport to Munich City - One Way:
$322
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Munich - Budapest Transfer:
$523
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Munich Airport Transfer:
$124
-
Munich Airport Transfer:
$182
-
Munich Airport Transfers : Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Business Car:
$112
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Munich Airport Transfers : Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Car:
$172
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Munich Airport Transfers: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Van:
$124
Typical Local Transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
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ARMORED Airport Transfer - Rio de Janeiro (COVID-19 Prepared):
$387
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Airport transfer: Rio de Janeiro - Buzios / Ilha Grande:
$242
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All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer:
$55
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Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro:
$115
-
Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$61
-
Angra dos Reis to Daily Transfer:
$54
-
AquaRio Aquarium Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer:
$58
-
Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$115
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Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro:
$52
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Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan:
$144
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Arrival Private Transfer Galeão Airport GIG to Rio City by Business Car:
$135
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Arrival Private Transfer Galeão Airport GIG to Rio City by Luxury Van:
$98
Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Munich 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €23 per person, per day in Munich. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €14 per person, per day in Rio de Janeiro. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Typical Entertainment prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket:
$18
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Discover Munich 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour:
$19
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Call of the Isarnixe Tour:
$21
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Skip the Line: Hard Rock Cafe Munich:
$24
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Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!:
$33
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Nazi History 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour:
$35
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Munich (Professional Guides) 7 Guided Walking Tours:
$40
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Private and personalized experience: see Munich with a local:
$69
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The Old Court Chapel including museum tour:
$72
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The Ultimate Munich History Experience: Private & Personalized:
$110
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The Absolutely Must See Sights in Munich - 4-hour Private Walking Tour:
$117
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History & Food - Private Walking Tour Munich 4 hours with English-speaking guide:
$117
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Rio Line Panoramic City Tour - Boulevard Route:
$10
-
Inside Rio Photography Walking Tour:
$10
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Hiking Tour to Pedra do Telégrafo (Telegraph Stone):
$12
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Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School:
$16
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Rocinha Lucky Tour:
$16
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Rio Street Art Experience 2 Hours:
$19
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Half-Day Downtown Walking Tour:
$19
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2 Hour Vidigal Favela Tour Discovery the Most Laidback Favela:
$19
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Favela Tour -The path of Michael Jackson in Rio:
$20
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Historical Downtown and Lapa - Walking Tour:
$20
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Private Walking and Cultural Tour Rocinha-Rio de Janeiro:
$25
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Boat Tour Guanabara Bay - Rio de Janeiro - Sightseeing:
$25
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Munich may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €29 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Rio de Janeiro may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €7.95 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Typical Alcohol prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
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:
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Pub Crawl Rio de Janeiro:
$11
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Skip the line: Ipanema Pub Crawl:
$28
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Beautiful Imperial Petropolis City Tour Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery:
$34
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Rio By Night Tour: Pub Crawl Experiencing Music, Dancing, Drinks & Local Culture:
$105
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Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains:
$135
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Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour:
$160
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Munich 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich than you might in Rio de Janeiro.
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