Which place is cheaper, Pereira 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 Pereira?
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 Pereira 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 Pereira?
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.
Pereira
Situated in a small valley in the western Andes, Pereira is the capital city of Risaralda, Colombia. The city is surrounded by coffee producing agriculture and sits in the middle of a triangle of cities including Bogota, Medillin and Cali, each of which is about a three to five hour drive away.
The city itself is very much student oriented, as there are many universities around town and at least one quarter of the population is made up of students. There is also a very European vibe to the city and you will find the area beautiful with many parks and museums.
Pereira's economy is based on government, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, trade, commerce, and tourism. Agricultural products include sugarcane, cacao, rubber, cereals, coffee, and livestock. Apparel is the main manufacturing product, along with aluminium goods, motorcycles and telecommunications technology.
Pereira is found in a warm moorland area with an average temperature of around 72 degrees. The temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year with highs in the high 70s Fahrenheit to low 80s Fahrenheit. Low temperatures are usually in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Rain is heaviest during the months of April and May as well as October and November.
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 Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesPereira Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $122Pereira $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $122, while the average daily cost in Pereira is $86. 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 Pereira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Pereira $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Pereira $56
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Pereira
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Pereira? 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 Pereira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.10Pereira $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$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $135
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $73
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $136
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pereira
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Pereira are as follows:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pereira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pereira:
- Arrival or Departure Transfer El Éden International Airport: $42
- Arrival or Departure Transfer Matecaña International Airport: $11
- Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer La Nubia Airport: $20
- Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer: Matecaña Intl Airport: $41
- One way transfer Pereira to Santa Rosa Hot Springs: $88
- One way transfer from Pereira to Salento AND/OR Salento to Pereira: $43
- PEREIRA/ARMENIA: FULLDAY TRANSFER SALENTO+ FILANDIA + COCORA VALLEY: $144
- PRIVATE Transfer One-Way from Pereira to Philadelphia or return: $43
- Pereira to or from Salento Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer Pereira Airport ↔ Nearby hotels: $13
- Private Transfer Pereira to Salento (or vice versa): $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Pereira?
Prices for flights to both Pereira 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 $35Pereira $42
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$0.60
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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.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.20
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
Typical Food Prices in Pereira
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pereira:
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Hamburger$1.76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Pereira $19
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 (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.57
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.43
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Free walking tour around Histórico Rio Downtow and Lapa: $12
- Rio Experience: Caipirinha Workshop (2 Caipis) + Funk Class: $12
Tours and Activities in Pereira
Here are a few actual costs in Pereira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Coffee Tour at the Finca del Café: $40
- PRIVATE TOUR OF MAIN SQUARES, HISTORICAL SITES + LOOKOUT POINT: $56
- Pereira Organic Coffee Tour: $80
- Eco-Park Recinto del Pensamiento Tour: $84
- Tour to hot springs of Santa Rosa from Pereira, Armenia or Salento: $84
- Manizales City Tour with Cable Car and Chipre Viewpoint: $87
- Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $88
- Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $88
- Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $89
- Coffee Tour Near Pereira Grisales Coffee Tour: $90
- Private Tour to Coffee Farm (farm of your choice): $100
- Parque del Café with Private Transportation and Tickets: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Pereira $15
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 at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rocinha Funk Party Pub Crawl with Drinks: $23
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Pub Crawl Lapa: $35
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Pereira, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Pereira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pereira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pereira 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 Pereira.
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 Pereira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Pereira?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pereira. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Pereira, 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.
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.