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

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Cordoba?

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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $61. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $64
    Cordoba $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $128
    Cordoba $98
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65
    Cordoba $2.86
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
    $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
  • Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
  • Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
  • TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
  • Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
  • Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
  • TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
  • Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
  • Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
  • Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166

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

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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 $34
    Cordoba $6.62
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
    $0.56
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.75
  • Hamburger
    $0.94

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 and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
  • Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
  • Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
  • LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
  • Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
  • Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $21
    Cordoba $17

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

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

  • 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
  • A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
  • Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
  • 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
  • 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
  • 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
  • 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
  • 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Cordoba $6.96

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:

  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
  • Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Cordoba, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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 Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Cordoba?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

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

Both Cordoba and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Cordoba. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Cordoba. The autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Cordoba. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Cordoba. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Cordoba and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)