Which place is cheaper, Valdivia 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 Valdivia?
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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
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 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $106Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $106, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Valdivia $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Valdivia $82
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.04Valdivia $8.19
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 Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $20Valdivia $22
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Valdivia $13
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
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $85
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Valdivia $4.85
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Valdivia, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
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 Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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 Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Valdivia. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Valdivia.
In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Valdivia 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 Valdivia. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Valdivia.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Valdivia. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.