Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro?
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $71Rio de Janeiro $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $71, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $106. 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 Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro? 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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.09Rio de Janeiro $8.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $143
- Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $176
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bjelašnica: $98
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $273
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:
- Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $56
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Transfers Rio (Copacabana / Buzios / Angra / Paraty and Arraial): $154
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $39
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $21
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $77
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (SDU): $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo 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 daySarajevo $31Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
- The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144
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.Sarajevo $12Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.71
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.29
- Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR: $12
- Konjic City Tour: $12
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $14
- Majestic and Relaxed tour of Sarajevo, Baščaršija: $16
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarajevo $7.41Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71
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 Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarajevo is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Sarajevo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySarajevo 26°C (78°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Rio de Janeiro. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sarajevo is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSarajevo 17°C (62°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Rio de Janeiro. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
Sarajevo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySarajevo 6°C (42°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sarajevo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSarajevo 14°C (58°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo
| Sarajevo | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.