Which place is cheaper, San Fernando 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 San Fernando?
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 Fernando 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 Fernando?
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 Fernando
As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesSan Fernando Prices
Trinidad and Tobago Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115San Fernando $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in San Fernando is $188. 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 Fernando in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64San Fernando $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128San Fernando $148
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and San Fernando
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65San Fernando $50
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando?
Prices for flights to both San Fernando 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 $34San Fernando $83
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21San Fernando $28
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12San Fernando $22
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and San Fernando, we can see that San Fernando 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 Fernando is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando 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 Fernando Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and San Fernando, 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 Fernando?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando in the Summer?
Both San Fernando and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as San Fernandoin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in January than San Fernandoin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)San Fernando 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and San Fernando. The autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as San Fernando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than San Fernandoin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 199 mm (7.8 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 April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)San Fernando 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as San Fernando. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than San Fernando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and San Fernando averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than San Fernandoin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)San Fernando 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Fernando in the Spring?
Both San Fernando and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than San Fernandoin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than San Fernandoin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 51 mm (2 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 October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)San Fernando 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for San Fernando and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | San Fernando | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 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.