Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Rio de Janeiro $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $466
- Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $466
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $466
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $466
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $466
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $466
- Helicopter Ride for 25 to 30min with Transfer service: $300
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial/Cabo Frio/Angra: $272
- EXECUTIVE VAN Airport Transfer - Rio de Janeiro: $250
- Arrival Transfer: Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Angra dos Reis by Van: $246
- From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $244
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Rio de Janeiro $20
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$0.78
-
Hamburger$0.98
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: $72
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- 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
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $90
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $50
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $101
- 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: $281
- 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $283
- 2 Hours Tour with Parasailing in Rio de Janeiro: $110
- 21 - Guided Tour to the Imperial City of Petrópolis with Lunch: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
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:
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $56
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $57
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $131
When comparing the travel costs between Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 830 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Rio de Janeiro.
Punta del Este is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro.
Punta del Este is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.