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

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Should you visit Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro?

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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. The peak time to visit is during the city's famous Carnival festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in the world. However, Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year around. The city has a wonderful natural harbour that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting. And you can't miss the beach, either!

Which city is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $147, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $81. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $69
    Rio de Janeiro $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $138
    Rio de Janeiro $102
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.

Hotels in Tokyo


Hotels in Rio de Janeiro


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $18
    Rio de Janeiro $6.25
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Luxury Van: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by Minivan: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $302
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan: $284
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $25
  • Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport (HND): $97
  • Japan Private Airport Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport(NRT): $182
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Narita International Airport (NRT): $121
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $78
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Haneda Airport: $144
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $267
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo City Center to Tokyo Disneyland: $119

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
    $2.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $622
  • Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Rio de Janeiro: $622
  • Arrival Private Transfer: GIG or SDU Airport to Arraial do Cabo by Minivan: $481
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Angra dos Reis by Minivan: $458
  • Arrival Private Transfer Rio Airport to Buzios or Cabo Frio by Minivan: $428
  • ARMORED Airport Transfer - Rio de Janeiro (COVID-19 Prepared): $387
  • Buzios Day Trip from Rio de Janeiro Including Airport Transfer: $310
  • LOW COST Airport ROUNDTRIP Transfer - Paraty (COVID-19 Prepared): $255
  • Arrival Private Transfer: GIG or SDU Airport to Arraial do Cabo by Sedan Car: $242
  • Buzios Minivan Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $240
  • Arrival Private Transfer Rio Airport to Buzios or Cabo Frio by Sedan Car: $223
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Tom Jobim International Airport to São João de Meriti City - One Way: $188

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

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $35
    Rio de Janeiro $15
Typical Food prices in Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.93
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.93
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
  • Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
  • West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
  • Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
  • Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
  • Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
  • Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
  • 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182

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
    $0.58
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.77
  • Hamburger
    $0.96

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.

  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro: $30
  • Cooking Class for Cacao Lovers: $51
  • Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $55
  • Plant-based Brazilian Flavours Cooking Class: $56
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $60
  • Private Tour in Rio Scenarium with Dinner: $65
  • Skip the line: Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $70
  • Dinner and Brazilian Music Show in Rio Scenarium: $70
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $72
  • Small-Group Boozy 7-Recipe Brazilian Cooking Class: $75
  • Food Tour Experience in Rio de Janeiro (Small Groups or Private): $80
  • Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $65
    Rio de Janeiro $17

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Samurai Spots in Tokyo Virtual Tour: $8.26
  • Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket: $11
  • 1-Hour River Cruise Asakusa to Odaiba: $11
  • Japanese Snacks You Should Try: Online Experience by Local Guide: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Japan: the bathing and Sento experience: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Ghibli Spots in Japan: $12
  • [Virtual Tour] Tokyo Highlights: $12
  • Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert: $14
  • Virtual Tour to Discover Mount Fuji: $14
  • Online Japanese Archery Experience: $15
  • Tokyo Online Tour All in One, With 10+ Top Sights!: $15
  • Thermae-Yu Hotspring in Shinjuku Entrance Ticket: $21

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 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $284
  • 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $265
  • 2 Hour Vidigal Favela Tour Discovery the Most Laidback Favela: $19
  • 3 Hour Sailing Experience in Rio: $39
  • 3-Day Customizable Tour of Rio de Janeiro: $365
  • 4 horas - Tour private: Corcovado e praias: $154
  • 4 hours - Tour Private: Pão de Açúcar e Catedral Metropolitana: $154
  • 4-Day Private Guided Tour from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo – Coastal Trip: $990
  • 4-Days Ilha Grande Experience - Unlocking Brazil's 'Garden of Eden': $1,025
  • 4-hour Rio Downtown Sites & Bites Small Group Tour: $62
  • 4-hour Sum-up Of Rio de Janeiro "Private Tour" – Optional Airport & Port Pick-up: $92
  • 6-hour Classic Rio de Janeiro "Private City Tour" – Optional For Airport Pick-up: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $30
    Rio de Janeiro $9.48
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.44

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 Rio de Janeiro: $11
  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $19
  • Skip the line: Ipanema Pub Crawl: $28
  • Beautiful Imperial Petropolis City Tour Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $34
  • Rio By Night Tour: Pub Crawl Experiencing Music, Dancing, Drinks & Local Culture: $105
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $135
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $160

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Rio de Janeiro.


When is the best time to visit Tokyo 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 Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 26°C (78°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro stays around 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Tokyo is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October are around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro is about 25°C (77°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Rio de Janeiro stays around 21°C (70°F).

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Tokyo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The temperature in Tokyo is usually 14°C (58°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro stays around 23°C (73°F)in October.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo

Tokyo Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)


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Tokyo vs. Rio de Janeiro Travel Comparison

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