A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rio de Janeiro vs. Washington for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington or Rio de Janeiro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $108, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $68
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $136
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Washington? 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.

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


Hotels in Washington


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $8.15
    Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
  • Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $476
  • Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $476
  • Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $476
  • 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $476
  • Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $476
  • 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $476
  • 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: $249
  • Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro and Airports x Angra dos Reis (4 max): $247

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $172
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $136
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $190
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $190
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $213
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $159
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $142
  • Luxury Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $21
    Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.60
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.80
  • Hamburger
    $1.00

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: $47
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $74
  • 9-Recipes Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $85
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
  • Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $93
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $107
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $114
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $140
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
  • Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $22
    Washington $24

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $51
  • 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: $103
  • 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: $288
  • 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $288
  • 2 Hours Tour with Parasailing in Rio de Janeiro: $110
  • 20 - Guided Tour to AquaRio and Olympic Boulevard: $120

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Washington, D.C: National Air & Space Museum Audio Tour (EN): $9.00
  • The National Mall: Walking In App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • D.C: White House Museum & President's Park Audio Tour (EN): $9.00
  • DC: National Museum of the American Indian Audio Tour (ENG): $10
  • DC: Smithsonian American History Museum Audio Tour (EN): $10
  • Washington, DC: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Washington $19

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:

  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $30
  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl in Lapa: $42
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $58
  • Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $134

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


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


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Washington?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Washington, 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 Washington?

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

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

Both Washington and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C)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 Washingtonin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Washington. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Washingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Washingtonin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Washington. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C)in January.

Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Washingtonin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

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

Both Washington and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C)in April.

In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Washingtonin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)