Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Punta Arenas $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Punta Arenas $1.80
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$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $34Punta Arenas $36
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$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Fort Bulnes Historical Tour: $39
- City Tour: $60
- City Tour Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $60
- Punta Arenas City Tour Shore Excursion: $60
- Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full-Day Torres del Paine Tour: $88
- Monte Tarn Trekking Tour with Guide: $129
- Torres Del Paine and Milodon Cave Full Day Tour: $135
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Punta Arenas $4.86
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Punta Arenas, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenas. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Punta Arenas. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenas. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.