Which place is cheaper, Caracas or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro or Caracas?
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 Caracas 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 Caracas?
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.
Caracas
Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, and also the country's largest city. It's in the northern portion of the country and is close to the Caribbean. While Caracas may not be a major travel destination in Venezuela, it can offer interesting insight into the country's urban character. It has a great art, culinary, and music culture that truly bring the city to life. The beautiful Mount Avila overlooks the city and separates the city from the Caribbean Sea. Many locals and visitors alike head to the mountain as a quick escape. You can reach it by taking a cable car that carries you up to the SWaraira Repano Park at the very top.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesCaracas Prices
Venezuela Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $122Caracas $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $122, while the average daily cost in Caracas is $0.00. 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 Caracas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Caracas -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Caracas $0.00
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Caracas
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Caracas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.10Caracas -
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$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $110
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $134
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro: $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port to Zona Sul: $64
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $134
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Caracas?
Prices for flights to both Caracas 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 $35Caracas -
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$0.60
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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.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Rio Night Food Tour: Street Food, Local Drinks & Hidden Gems: $95
- Rio Food Tour: Local Favorites, Hidden Gems & Brazilian Flavors: $96
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $102
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Caracas -
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): $4.52
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.40
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.27
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Caracas -
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
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Caracas, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Caracas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caracas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caracas 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in Caracas.
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 Caracas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Caracas?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Caracas. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Caracas, 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 Caracas?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Caracas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Caracas in the Summer?
Both Caracas and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Caracas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Caracasin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Caracasin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Caracas 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Caracas in the Autumn?
Both Caracas and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Caracas year-round.
Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Caracas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Caracas fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)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 Caracasin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 56 mm (2.2 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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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Caracas 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Caracas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Caracas. The winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Caracas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Caracas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Caracas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Caracasin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Caracas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Caracas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Caracas. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Caracas throughout the year.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Caracasin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Caracasin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 29 mm (1.1 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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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Caracas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Caracas and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Caracas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.