Which place is cheaper, Castro 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 Castro?
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 Castro 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 Castro?
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.
Castro
The capital of Chiloe, modern and dynamic, has succeeded in keeping its authenticity even though it now has many gigantic supermarkets, hotels and other touristic infrastructures. It is located on the island's eastern coast, halfway between Ancud in the north and Quellon in the south, and is a convenient base for exploring the stunning sites in the region of Chiloe Island. The tourist information is located on the town square in front of the church.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesCastro Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $120Castro $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $120, while the average daily cost in Castro is $118. 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 Castro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Castro $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Castro $76
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Castro
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Castro? 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 Castro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.93Castro $21
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$2.92
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: $106
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $106
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
- Arrival Transfer Rio Santos Dumont Airport SDU to Costa do Sol: $157
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $106
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $129
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer: $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $65
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $89
- Corcovado Train Guided Tour with Transfer: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Castro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Castro:
- Castro Airport Private Transfer in Chiloe: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Castro?
Prices for flights to both Castro 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 $35Castro $64
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$0.58
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.97
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.
- Rio de Janeiro Market Food Tour and Local Tasting Experience: $71
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $75
- Rio Historic Downtown and Lapa Street Food Tour Full Meal: $81
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Rio de Janeiro Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
- Roxy Dinner Show - Dinner & Show: $137
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Copacabana with Hotel Pickup: $140
- Guided Tour to the River Scenarium with Dinner: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Castro $21
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.28
- Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $19
- Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
- Football Tour at Maracanã Pre game with Caipirinha and Fans: $28
- Vidigal: Tour with Local Guide: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Historical Center Walking Tour: $29
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail: $30
- Favela tour Santa Marta with local guide: $30
- Walking tour in Rio de Janeiro Historical Center.: $30
- AquaRio Rio de Janeiro Tickets Only: $30
- Rio de Janeiro History Walking Tour: $32
Tours and Activities in Castro
Here are a few actual costs in Castro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Castro Sightseeing Tour in Chiloe: $96
- Lemuy Island Heritage & Nature Tour: $114
- Coastal Nature Adventure in Chiloe: $118
- Penguins in Chiloé and Fort San Antonio Day Tour: $120
- Chiloé: UNESCO Wooden Churches Full-Day Tour: $171
- Lemuy Island Tour from Castro: $178
- Dalcahue and Quinchao Island Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $209
- Dock of Souls Trekking Tour in Chiloe: $268
- Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour: $284
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Castro $18
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: $40
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $177
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Castro, 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Castro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Castro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Castro. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Castro, 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.
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.