Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Sydney?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Rio de Janeiro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySydney $273Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $273, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Sydney and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSydney $102Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSydney $204Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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: Sydney Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sydney $15Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
- Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Business Car: $102
- Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Luxury Van: $114
- Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Business Car: $102
- Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Luxury Van: $114
- Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $194
- Arrival Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Business Car: $102
- Arrival Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Luxury Van: $114
- Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Business Car: $102
- From Sydney Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Sydney: $67
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
- Limoroo, Airport Transfers and Luxe Door to Door Service. : $147
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:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $466
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $466
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $124
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $107
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $53
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $60
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $54
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Angra dos Reis by Sedan Car: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Buzios by Sedan Car: $121
Is it cheaper to fly into Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Sydney 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 daySydney $44Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.60
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Lunch Special$9.73
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.73
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Meat Pies$3.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
- Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $45
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $49
- Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
- Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
- Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $62
- Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $68
- Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $71
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $71
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu: $74
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise: $75
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
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- 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
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $90
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sydney $31Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$124
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Powerhouse Museum$9.76
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $2.13
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Sydney Harbour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to Lavender Bay: $5.36
- Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Spirits of Sydney - Self Guided Ghost Tour of the Rocks Area: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Unlock The Rocks Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game: $16
- Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $16
- Botanic Garden Self-Guided Adventure Hunt for Kids: $16
- Secret Laneways Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game: $16
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.85
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Rio de Janeiro Night Experience: Funk Class + 2 Caipirinhas: $9.14
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySydney $15Rio de Janeiro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- SYDNEY : Haunted Sydney Pub Tour: $20
- Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour with a Licensed Guide: $26
- Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $46
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $55
- Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $55
- Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
- Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $82
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $101
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $110
- Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $120
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $142
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: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $56
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $57
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Sydney. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySydney 23°C (73°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Sydney during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSydney 19°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Sydney is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySydney 12°C (53°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Sydney usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSydney 18°C (64°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Sydney
| Sydney | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.