Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $119Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $119, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.91Guayaquil $15
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$2.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $55
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $75
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $75
- Transfers Rio X Buzios: $188
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $28
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $239
- Transfer in Rio: $45
- Transfer from Rio’s Airports SDU or GIG to Hotels (Vice Versa): $118
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $31
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airports to Hotels and Destinations: $49
- Transfer Rio x Búzios: $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport: $48
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $35Guayaquil $50
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.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $62
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $78
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Rio Food Tour: Street Food, Hidden Gems & Local Culture: $94
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $101
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
- Roxy Dinner Show - Dinner & Show: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
- Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
- Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Guayaquil $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:
- 12 Beaches Easy Bike Tour Rio de Janeiro: $77
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $209
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- 4-hour Sum-up Of Rio de Janeiro "Private Tour" – Optional Airport & Port Pick-up: $149
- 4x4 Jeep Jungle Tour Rio de Janeiro: $52
- 5-Hour Rio's Essential Sights: Private Tour – Optional Airport & Port Pick-ups: $154
- 6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $125
- 8 Hour Private Tour by Car in Rio de Janeiro: $266
- A Day in Rio Tour - City Tour with Tickets and Lunch Included: $118
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Adventure & History at Tijuca Forest (small group or private): $68
- Adventure at Pedra da Gávea: $59
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
- City Highlights Tour with Cable Car Ride: $58
- Guayaquil Museum Tour: $64
- Half-Day City Tour—Iguana Park & Santa Ana Hill: $70
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Santa Ana: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $74
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $77
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $80
- Historic Walking Tour Through Time & Culture: $83
- Half Day Guayaquil Historical Tour and Cocoa Culinary Experience: $85
- Personalized City Tour with Guide: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Guayaquil $17
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:
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $49
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting and 3-Course Pairing Menu in Guayaquil.: $86
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting: $428
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Guayaquil experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Guayaquilin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquilin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.