Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $120San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $120, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or San Juan? 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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.98San Juan $14
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$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Departure Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to RIOgaleão - Tom Jobim Airport: $300
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $270
- Sugarloaf Mountain Sunrise Experience with Breakfast & Transfer: $253
- Rio Art Museum | Round Trip Transfer + 2 Tickets: $250
- Private Transfer | Round Trip: $250
- Museum of Tomorrow - | Round Trip Transfer + 2 Tickets: $250
- Private transfer from Rio de Janeiro x Angra dos Reis (4 max): $241
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $232
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- TRANSFER ISLAND GRANDE Ground Transportation + Fast Boat: $225
- Original Historic Coffee Farm Guided Tour with Transfer: $220
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $216
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
- Premium Transfer Service FROM or TO Rio Grande Puerto Rico: $50
- Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $131
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $76
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry: $80
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ponce: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $35San Juan $62
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$0.78
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Hamburger$0.98
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.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $75
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $79
- Rio de Janeiro Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $80
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $103
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $107
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Puerto Rican Cooking Class in San Juan for Groups: $146
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $195
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset and City Light Dinner Over San Juan: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $64
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $121
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $229
- 12 Beaches Easy Bike Tour Rio de Janeiro: $78
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $198
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $282
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- 4 horas - Tour private: Corcovado e praias: $220
- 4-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $95
- 4-hour Sum-up Of Rio de Janeiro "Private Tour" – Optional Airport & Port Pick-up: $149
- 4x4 Jeep Jungle Tour Rio de Janeiro: $52
- 5-Hour Rio's Essential Sights: Private Tour – Optional Airport & Port Pick-ups: $154
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
- Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $32
- SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $33
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $40
- Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
- Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – SmallGroup Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12San Juan $12
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:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $40
- Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $50
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $179
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or San Juan?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than San Juanin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 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 Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and San Juan. 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. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than San Juanin October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
San Juan 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 around the same amount of rain as San Juanin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 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 Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is cooler than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Juanin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 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 Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan 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. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than San Juanin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 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 Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.