Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz?
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 La Paz 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
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 Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $105La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97La Paz $22
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (GIG): $13
- Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
- Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
- Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $18
- Shared Transfer From or To Airport: $19
- 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 (SDU): $19
- Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
- One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $20
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $21
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) to Rio: $21
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Rio de Janeiro: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $20La Paz $38
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$0.78
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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: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $72
- 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: $82
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22La Paz $13
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 (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.83
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $9.97
- 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
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
- Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
- Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
- Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
- From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
- holy spirit island tour: $116
- Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
- Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12La Paz $12
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: $28
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- 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: $131
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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. Even though Rio de Janeiro is in South America and La Paz is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or La Paz?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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 La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or La Paz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and La Paz. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than La Pazin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than La Pazin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as La Paz. Additionally, many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than La Pazin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than La Pazin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as La Pazin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than La Pazin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.