Which place is cheaper, Houston or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Houston?
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 Houston 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $106Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $106, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.04Houston $72
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$2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $125
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $53
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $60
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $123
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $54
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
- George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $20Houston $35
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$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
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: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Houston $14
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.78
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
- Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Houston $13
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: $33
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $132
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro is in South America and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Rio de Janeiro.
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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Houston?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Houston, 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 Houston?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Houston has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Houston in the Summer?
Both Houston and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Houstonin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houstonin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Houston in the Autumn?
Both Houston and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C)in October.
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Houstonin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Houston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Houston. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Houstonin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Houston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Houston. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Houstonin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Houstonin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.