Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $106San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $106, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.04San Diego $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$2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private transfer to Ilha Grande.: $930
- From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
- Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $471
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $471
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $471
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $471
- Helicopter Ride for 25 to 30min with Transfer service: $300
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial/Cabo Frio/Angra: $272
- From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $246
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego City by Business Car: $111
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $103
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $92
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $103
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $82
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $20San Diego $45
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$0.79
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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.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $276
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $177
- 21 - Guided Tour to the Imperial City of Petrópolis with Lunch: $80
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $68
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12San Diego $21
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: $33
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
- 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: $132
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro is in South America and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Rio de Janeiro.
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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or San Diego?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than San Diegoin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than San Diegoin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and San Diego. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C)in October.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than San Diegoin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as San Diego. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C)in January.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than San Diegoin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than San Diegoin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than San Diegoin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.