Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, 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 dayReykjavik $246Rio de Janeiro $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, 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 Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Rio de Janeiro $8.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
- Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
- Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $185
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $45
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
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$2.96
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 Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
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$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
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 dayReykjavik $28Rio de Janeiro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
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 Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 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 JanuaryReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°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, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 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 AprilReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 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 JulyReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 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 OctoberReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.