Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $106Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $106, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage? 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.04Anchorage $27
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:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $20Anchorage $50
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
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Anchorage $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour: $59
- Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Tour on a unique 14-passenger electric vehicle: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Anchorage $20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro is in South America and Anchorage is in North 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage, 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 Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage?
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 Anchorage has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Anchorage. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C)in July.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Anchoragein July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Anchoragein October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Anchoragein October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Anchoragein January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C)in April.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Anchoragein April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.