Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis?
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 Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis?
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.
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $105Florianopolis $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $62. 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 Florianopolis in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Florianopolis $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Florianopolis $52
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis? 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 Florianopolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97Florianopolis $13
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$2.93
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): $56
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $78
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU) - Rio City Center: $19
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Rio de Janeiro City Center - Airport (GIG): $26
- Transfer Rio x Búzios, ARRAIAL DO CABO AND ANGRA DOS REIS: $233
- Transfer Rio to Búzios, Arraial Do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Angra dos Reis: $150
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $39
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $83
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis?
Prices for flights to both Florianopolis 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 dayRio de Janeiro $20Florianopolis $22
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$0.78
-
Hamburger$0.98
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: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
- Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner : $143
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro: $196
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
A Quick Snack$0.44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Florianopolis $26
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $100
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $175
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 26 - Guided Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: $120
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $36
- 3 Hour Sailing Experience in Rio: $47
- 3 Hours Snorkel and Swim with Turtles Tour at Tijuca Islands : $122
- 3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking Tour Historic Center of Florianópolis: $12
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $29
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $31
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $36
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $41
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Florianopolis $8.68
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: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
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 Florianopolis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis, 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 Florianopolis?
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 Florianopolis in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Florianopolis.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in January than Florianopolis. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis in the Autumn?
Both Florianopolis and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Florianopolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Florianopolis. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis in the Winter?
Both Florianopolis and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Florianopolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Florianopolis. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Florianopolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.