Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Rio de Janeiro?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Rio de Janeiro $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $119. 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 Petra and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Petra and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Rio de Janeiro $7.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
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$2.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $17
- Private One Way Transfer to or from Rio: $19
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Private Transfer Economic GIG / SDU up to 4 pax to South Zone: $26
- Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $28
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $28
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $31
- Round Trip Tom Jobim Airport Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $33
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $35
- Private One Way Airport Transfer Rio to Galeao Airport: $35
- Private One-way Airport Transfer From Galeao Airport To Rio: $35
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Rio de Janeiro $35
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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$0.58
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.97
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.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $62
- Carioca Kitchens Rio de Janeiro Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $67
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Rio Food Tour: Local Favorites, Hidden Gems & Brazilian Flavors: $94
- Rio Night Food Tour: Street Food, Local Drinks & Hidden Gems: $95
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Rio de Janeiro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: The Treasury & Main Ancient Highlights: $75
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.30
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.15
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Private guided tour in Rio de Janeiro: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Rio 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:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $50
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 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 JanuaryPetra 33°C (91°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Rio de Janeiro. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPetra 27°C (80°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Petra is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 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 JulyPetra 15°C (59°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Petra is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPetra 25°C (76°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Petra
| Petra | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.