A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oslo vs. Rio de Janeiro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Oslo 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 Oslo 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: Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Oslo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oslo is $137, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $106. 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 Oslo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oslo $81
    Rio de Janeiro $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oslo $162
    Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Oslo and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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.

Hotels in Oslo


Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


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: Oslo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oslo $23
    Rio de Janeiro $8.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $132
  • Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $108
  • Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $489
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Car: $149
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $147
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo City Center to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $91

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (GIG): $13
  • Private transfer from Airport GIG to Rio City center-Copacabana: $15
  • Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
  • Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
  • Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $18
  • Shared Transfer From or To Airport: $19
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (SDU): $19
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU) - Rio City Center: $19
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Rio de Janeiro City Center -Airport (SDU): $19
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Galeao Airport To Rio): $20
  • One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $20
  • Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Oslo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oslo $30
    Rio de Janeiro $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $59
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $73
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $111
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $119
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $119

Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.59
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.79
  • 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.

  • Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
  • THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
  • Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
  • Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oslo $19
    Rio de Janeiro $22

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.23
  • Guided Walking Tour in Central Oslo: $4.45
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $7.41
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.07
  • Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13

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 (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.78
  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
  • Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
  • Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
  • Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oslo $11
    Rio 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: $33
  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
  • Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $132


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Oslo is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oslo or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Rio de Janeiro. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Oslo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Oslo 18°C (64°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Oslo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Oslo usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Oslo 7°C (45°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Oslo -4°C (25°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Oslo 6°C (42°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Oslo

Oslo Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)