Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Rio de Janeiro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Munich or Rio de Janeiro?
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. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMunich €148Rio de Janeiro €99
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €148, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €99. 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 Munich and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMunich €89Rio de Janeiro €62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMunich €178Rio de Janeiro €124
Compare Hotels in Munich and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Munich 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: Munich Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Munich €19Rio de Janeiro €7.48
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:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Luxury Car: $249
- Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
- From Munich Airport to Nuremberg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $193
- From Munich Airport to Salzburg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $207
- Guided Nymphenburg Palace Tour with Transfers & skip the line.: $235
- Munich Airport (MUC) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Arrival Transfer: $71
- Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Munich Airport (MUC): Private Transfer to Munich: $180
- Munich Airport MUC to Arber Round Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Munich Airport MUC to Garmisch-Partenkirchen- Round-Trip Transfer: $142
- Munich Airport Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Business Car: $160
- Munich Arrival Private Transfers from Munich Airport MUC to Munich City: $191
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€2.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $467
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $467
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $107
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Angra dos Reis by Sedan Car: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Buzios by Minivan: $205
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Buzios by Sedan Car: $121
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Sedan Car: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro: $89
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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMunich €27Rio de Janeiro €19
Typical Food Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
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Bratwurst€5.00
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Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)€1.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
- Munich Food Tour with Beer Tasting: $47
- Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
- 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
- Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
- Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
- Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
- Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
- Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
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€0.55
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Corn on the Cob€0.73
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Hamburger€0.92
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
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
- Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner : $143
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Munich €29Rio de Janeiro €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Schack Gallery Entrance€4.00
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Munich Zoo Entrance€9.00
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Pub Crawl Munich Tour€14
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Neuschwanstein Castle (2)€24
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.19
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.73
- Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $5.33
- From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.33
- Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.33
- Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.29
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.34
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.93
- City Center Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.45
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.83
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $9.97
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMunich €37Rio de Janeiro €11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
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Hofbrauhaus€12
Sample the Local Flavors in Munich
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:
- Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
- Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
- English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
- Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
- The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $287
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
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
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Munich Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Munich or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year.
Munich is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Munich usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMunich 20°C (68°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Munich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMunich 11°C (52°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Munich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMunich -1°C (31°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months.
Munich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Munich usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMunich 11°C (53°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Munich
| Munich | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (62°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.