Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Palma de Mallorca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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: Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro?
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island, Mallorca, in the western Mediterranean. It is home to landmarks like Gothic cathedrals and medieval fortresses, but is also host to sandy beaches where the city meets the sea in a backdrop of surrounding mountains. Amidst the city itself you will find it easy to get lost in the charm of cobbled lanes, busy markets, boutiques, and historic courtyards.
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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalma de Mallorca €139Rio de Janeiro €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Palma de Mallorca is €139, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is €98. 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 Palma de Mallorca and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalma de Mallorca €69Rio de Janeiro €62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalma de Mallorca €138Rio de Janeiro €124
Compare Hotels in Palma de Mallorca and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Palma de Mallorca 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: Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palma de Mallorca €25Rio de Janeiro €7.43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€6.80
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Bus Ride€1.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca
Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Coasteering in South Mallorca with Transfers: $71
- Mallorca Airport (PMI) to Magaluf - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Business Car: $79
- Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer from Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma by Luxury Car: $123
- Arrival Transfer from Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Private Car: $103
- Departure Private Transfer from Palma to PMI Airport by Sedan: $88
- Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Business Car: $79
- Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Luxury Van: $130
- Departure Transfer from Palma to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI in Private Car: $103
- Departure Transfer from Palma to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI in Private Van: $119
- Departure Transfer to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI by Van: $134
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€2.73
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): $56
- 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
- Transfers Rio (Copacabana / Buzios / Angra / Paraty and Arraial): $154
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $39
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $21
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $77
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (SDU): $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Palma de Mallorca 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 dayPalma de Mallorca €45Rio de Janeiro €19
Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Soda€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Spanish Cooking Class Experience in Palma with 5+ Tastings: $21
- Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
- Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
- 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma: $147
- Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650
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€0.91
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palma de Mallorca €34Rio de Janeiro €20
Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Palma Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Kingdom of Mallorca: $6.99
- Self-Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.27
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
- AbenteuerDate, Palma,Santa Catalina, Tour with Fun Activities in German Language: $9.83
- AbenteuerDate Alcudia, Interactive Fun Tour in German Language: $9.83
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Legends of Palma: $10
- Secrets with the Palma Medieval Jewish Quarter Audio Tour: $11
- Palma: Couple Adventure, fun game and city walk: $11
- Uncover Secrets of Palma: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Mallorca Cathedral Skip The Line Tickets: $13
- Self-guided tour to must visit places in Mallorca : $14
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 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: $276
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $177
- 21 - Guided Tour to the Imperial City of Petrópolis with Lunch: $80
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalma de Mallorca €29Rio de Janeiro €11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Coffee€3.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:
- Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $43
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Alcudia Old Town: $43
- Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
- Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
- Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
- Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
- Sa Clasta Wine Tours, Mallorca: $158
- Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $163
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 Palma de Mallorca and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.
In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 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 JanuaryPalma de Mallorca 24°C (76°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Palma de Mallorca is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Palma de Mallorca 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 AprilPalma de Mallorca 19°C (66°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 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 JulyPalma de Mallorca 11°C (52°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 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 OctoberPalma de Mallorca 14°C (57°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Palma de Mallorca
| Palma de Mallorca | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.