Which place is cheaper, Veracruz 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 Veracruz?
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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz?
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.
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $105Veracruz $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, while the average daily cost in Veracruz is $122. 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 Veracruz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Veracruz $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Veracruz $108
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Veracruz
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz? 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 Veracruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97Veracruz $28
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 transfer to Ilha Grande.: $930
- From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $468
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $468
- Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $468
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $468
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $468
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $468
- 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: $244
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
- Airport Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz?
Prices for flights to both Veracruz 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 $20Veracruz $50
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.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $72
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Veracruz $15
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
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $100
- 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 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $175
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 26 - Guided Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: $120
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour: $7.87
- Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- San Juan de Ulua Fortress Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- San Juan de Ulua Fortress of Veracruz Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Sightseeing City Tour and Aquarium: $22
- From Nature & Seafood Boat Tour to Madinga: $23
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
- Sightseeing City Tour and Wax & Ripley´s Museums: $25
- From San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour: $26
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $26
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Veracruz $17
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: $28
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- 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: $131
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Veracruz, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Rio de Janeiro is in South America and Veracruz is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Veracruz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Veracruz, 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 Veracruz?
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 Veracruz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz in the Summer?
Both Veracruz and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Veracruzin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Veracruz 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 Veracruzin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Veracruz 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Veracruz.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Veracruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
Veracruz 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 Veracruzin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Veracruz 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Veracruz.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Veracruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Veracruz averages at about 21°C (71°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Veracruzin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Veracruz 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Veracruz in the Spring?
Both Veracruz and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Veracruzin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Veracruzin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Veracruz 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Veracruz and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Veracruz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.