A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rio de Janeiro vs. Baltimore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Rio de Janeiro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $106, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. 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 Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $67
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $134
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore? 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.

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


Hotels in Baltimore


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 Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $8.04
    Baltimore $21
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
    $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
  • 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
  • A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
  • Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $125
  • All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
  • All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
  • Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $53
  • AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $60
  • Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $123
  • Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $54
  • Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $20
    Baltimore $46
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
    $0.79
  • 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 Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $22
    Baltimore $18

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

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $14
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $24
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Baltimore $17

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 Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Baltimorein July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Baltimorein July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Baltimorein October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Baltimore. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C)in January.

In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Baltimorein January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Baltimore. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Baltimorein April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Baltimorein April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)