Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $119Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $119, while the average daily cost in Lima 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.91Lima $6.24
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:
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $17
- Private One Way Transfer to or from Rio: $19
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Private Transfer Economic GIG / SDU up to 4 pax to South Zone: $26
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $28
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $31
- Round Trip Tom Jobim Airport Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $33
- Private One Way Airport Transfer Rio to Galeao Airport: $35
- Private One-way Airport Transfer From Galeao Airport To Rio: $35
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $41
- Regular transfer Rio x Ilha Grande (Villa do Abraão): $42
- Rio de Janeiro Private Transfer One Way: $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Short Taxi Ride$4.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Guided Assistance -Hassle-free service -Airport -Hotel transfers: $30
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- LIMA CAR TRANSFER - Private Service: $29
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $47
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Lima Airport : Bus transfer to/from Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $11
- Lima Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $23
- Lima Airport Luxury Arrival or Departure Transfer: $163
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $35Lima $33
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.73
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Ice cream$3.84
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Coffee$3.25
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Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Lima Street Food Tour: Markets & Local Life: $50
- Peruvian Cooking Class with Chef Lucia Dabdoub: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Lima Market Food Tour: $65
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $67
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Lima $9.43
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.22
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.10
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.83
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $8.83
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Rio de Janeiro Historical Center Walking Tour: $29
- Walking tour in Rio de Janeiro Historical Center.: $30
- Favela tour Santa Marta with local guide: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.51
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Best Art and History Tour in Barranco: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Tour around Lima City: $20
- From Pyramids & Bohemian Streets: Lima Miraflores & Barranco Tour: $25
- Miraflores & Barranco Bike Tour with Local Guide: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Lima $6.13
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:
- 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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.95
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Beer$4.43
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Lima, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Lima, 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 Lima?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Lima. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Limain July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Lima. Many travelers 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. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Limain January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. 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)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.