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

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island?

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 Easter Island 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 Easter Island?

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.

Easter Island

Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.

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 Adventure Tours to Chile, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Easter Island 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.

  • Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Easter Island Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Rio de Janeiro $115
    Easter Island $98

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $98. 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 Easter Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $64
    Easter Island $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $128
    Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Easter Island

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island? 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 Easter Island


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65
    Easter Island $2.58
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:

  • Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $54
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
  • Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
  • Transfer service to/from Rio and Angra dos Reis / Conceição de J.: $106
  • Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $150
  • Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $106
  • Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
  • Transfer in Rio: $35
  • Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $32
  • Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airports to Hotels and Destinations: $48
  • Transfer Rio to Búzios, Arraial Do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Angra dos Reis: $150
  • Transfer International Airport GIG or SDU Rio de Janeiro: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Easter Island

Also for Easter Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Mataveri Airport to Easter Island Hotels: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island?

Prices for flights to both Easter Island 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
    Easter Island $43
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island

For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Easter Island Dinner Show with Transport : $143
  • Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $21
    Easter Island $40

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Easter Island's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Bike Rental
    $8.38

Tours and Activities in Easter Island

For Easter Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Orongo City of Kings and Birdman Half Day Tour: $69
  • Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui: $70
  • Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
  • Orongo, Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau Half Day Tour: $82
  • Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $82
  • T6-The CULT OF THE BIRD-MAN (non-cruise visitors): $90
  • Full Day Tour Route to Moai Factory: $99
  • Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island: $107
  • Full day tour - DREAM: $120
  • Full day Easter island Shared Tour : $120
  • The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience : $125
  • Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Easter Island $5.34

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 Easter Island, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Easter Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Easter Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Easter Island 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 Easter Island.

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 Easter Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 1510 times larger than the population of Easter Island. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?

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 Easter Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Easter Island. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Easter Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Easter Island averages at about 24°C (74°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Easter Island. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Easter Island 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island in the Autumn?

Both Easter Island and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than Easter Island. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Easter Island. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Easter Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island in the Winter?

Both Easter Island and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Easter Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Easter Island fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Easter Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Easter Island. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Easter Island 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Easter Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Easter Island. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Easter Island averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Easter Island. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Easter Island 20°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Easter Island and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Easter Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)