A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rio de Janeiro vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Toronto. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Toronto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Toronto and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Rio de Janeiro different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Rio de Janeiro. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Rio de Janeiro or Toronto.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rio de Janeiro on the map. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is the Food Better in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Rio de Janeiro have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Rio de Janeiro or Toronto has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Rio de Janeiro just to party. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Toronto and Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Toronto are great to visit with kids.

Rio de Janeiro is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Toronto are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Toronto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Toronto a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro and Toronto both are great when exploring on foot.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Rio de Janeiro?

How long in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Rio de Janeiro. Usually, 4-6 days is a good amount of time for Rio de Janeiro, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rio de Janeiro, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rio de Janeiro that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Toronto if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Toronto, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Because Rio de Janeiro is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Toronto is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rio de Janeiro. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Toronto, you'll find shopping and museums. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Toronto?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Toronto. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Toronto. The summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Torontoin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Torontoin October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Torontoin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Torontoin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Toronto. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.

In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Torontoin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Rio de Janeiro