Which place is cheaper, Puerto Montt 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt?
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 Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt?
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.
Puerto Montt
The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile.
-
Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesPuerto Montt Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Puerto Montt $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Puerto Montt is $104. 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 Puerto Montt in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Puerto Montt $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Puerto Montt $122
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Montt
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt? 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 Puerto Montt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Puerto Montt $6.42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $21
- One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $27
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $31
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $32
- Private transfer from Galeão Airport to Hotel or Address in Copacabana: $35
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Private One-way Airport Transfer From Galeao Airport To Rio: $37
- Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Montt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:
- Cruce Andino Office Transfer to or from Puerto Montt: $32
- Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $75
- Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $83
- Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $83
- Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas Airport English private transfer: $50
- Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Frutillar: Roundtrip Transfer: $93
- Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $127
- Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $84
- Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas City- Arrival Transfer: $63
- Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $25
- Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel in Puerto Varas: $24
- Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Montt 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
-
Food Meals for one dayRio de Janeiro $34Puerto Montt $37
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Popcorn$0.56
-
Corn on the Cob$0.75
-
Hamburger$0.94
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 and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Puerto Montt $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:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Rocinha Local Tour: $19
- Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
- Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
- Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
- Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29
Tours and Activities in Puerto Montt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:
- Private Tour of Puerto Montt with Stops : $38
- Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour : $44
- Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour: $62
- Explore Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Montt : $64
- Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Jumps / English: $68
- Shore Excursion: Osorno Volcano Private Tour from Puerto Montt: $70
- Osorno Volcano and National Park Shore Tour for Cruisers : $90
- Puerto Varas: Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Private City Tour: $90
- Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $105
- Petrohué Falls Osorno Volcano Pto Varas Sightseeing Driver Only: $130
- Tagua Tagua Lake and Wild Patagonia Tour: $133
- Chiloé Island Full Day Experience Castro, Ancud, Dalcahue & Lunch: $189
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Puerto Montt $4.49
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:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Montt, 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 Puerto Montt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Puerto Montt. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Montt, 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 Puerto Montt?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Montt. The summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Puerto Montt. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Puerto Montt. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Puerto Montt. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Puerto Montt. Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Puerto Montt. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 143 mm (5.6 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt in the Winter?
Both Puerto Montt and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 7°C (45°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Puerto Montt. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Montt in the Spring?
Both Puerto Montt and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Puerto Montt. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Puerto Montt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Montt. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 121 mm (4.8 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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Montt and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Puerto Montt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.