Which place is cheaper, Veracruz 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 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesVeracruz Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Veracruz $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Veracruz is $143. 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 $64Veracruz $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Veracruz $98
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 $7.65Veracruz $26
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
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 $34Veracruz $78
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 $21Veracruz $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:
- 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
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Veracruz $16
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 Veracruz, we can see that Veracruz 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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 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. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
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. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
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. 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)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. The winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
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. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
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. 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)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.