How Much Does It Cost To Visit Rio de Janeiro

So you wanna know how much does it cost to visit the city of Rio de Janeiro?  Unfortunately Cidade de Maraviholsa aka The Marvelous City is not just one of Brazil’s most beautiful cities it is also one of it’s most expensive. Here are some tips to help you get an idea of just how much a visit to Rio may cost you.

Due to several airline cost increases and new taxes, airfare to Rio de Janeiro has been a lot more expensive than it has been in previous years.  When I first started traveling to Rio I paid a little over $600 for a round-trip ticket from Philadelphia.  Now that same flight has almost doubled to $1200-1300 for a ticket.  For cheap airline tickets to Rio check out CheapOAir.

Brazil’s strong currency and rapid growing economy has also lowered the value of the US dollar so your money does not go as far in Brazil anymore.  At the time of this post the exchange rate is US$1 = R$1.75.  For the latest exchange rates visit XE.com.

After buying an airline ticket, accommodations in Rio are probably going to be your next biggest expense.  Most hotels, hostels, an apartments that cater to tourist are located in the south zone of Rio, specifically in the Copacabana and Ipanema areas.  The cheapest way to stay in Rio is at a hostel.  Hostels in Rio can range from US$10-20 per night.  For the best hostel deals in Rio check out Hostel Bookers Rio.  An average hotel in the Zona Sul tourist district will cost you around US$130-150 per night depending on the location and time of year.  For the best hotel rates check out Hotels Combined Rio.

A mid-range alternative to a hostel or hotel is to rent an apartment.  Rio has a large apartment rental market that cater to tourist looking for short term rentals usually by the week or more.  Basic studios to lavish penthouses can be rented.  Rates start at US$60 per night.  We offer an apartment booking service and can get you some great deals on apartment rental in Rio.  Visit our Brazil Geeks Apartment Booker.  Keep in mind that the price of accommodations are slightly higher during peak season (November-March).  Also note that during Rio’s two biggest holidays New Years Eve and Carnival prices sky-rocket to double and sometimes triple in price.

When it comes to getting your eat on there are a variety of restaurants that cater to every budget in Rio.  One of the benefits of staying in a hostel or apartment is that they usually have kitchens where you can cook your own food so you are able to save some money by buying groceries instead of eating out every night.  If you are going to eat out you can find everything from cheap kiosk that serve hot dogs and burgers (US$2-5) to per-kilo restaurants ranging from US$6-10.  Normal restaurants will cost you around US$10-15 with the most expensive being in the US$50 range.  Be aware that many meals on restaurant menus are priced for two so be sure to ask for half-portions if you’re dining solo.

Getting around Rio can be pretty cheap if you use public transportation.  Rio’s Metro subway system is very safe and clean and will take you to many destinations around the city.  The cost of a single ride is about US$1.75.  Buses are about the same price.  Taxis rides add up very quick and can start eating away at your budget pretty quick.  It’s best to save your money during the day and use taxis after dark.  There are also a fleet of privately owned vans ran buy different community groups and owners that serve the public.  You will see these green and white vans stopping on almost every main street in Rio.  The routes and destinations are usually posted on the front and side and they cost a little over US$1.

Cost for admission to Rio’s most popular tourist attractions which are Sugarloaf Mountain (US$30 Adults/$15 Children) and Christ the Redeemer Statue (US$25 Adults/$12 children) if you do it yourself.  More expensive guided tours can be found at Rio de Janeiro Tours.

Nightlife in Rio can go from FREE to super expensive.  On the weekends in the downtown Lapa section there is usually a street party going on with hundreds of people hanging out, eating, and drinking right on the street.  The city also puts on many FREE concerts and shows throughout the year in this area.  Nightclub covers in Rio can range from US$5-30.  Of course domestic drinks are less expensive than drinking imports.  Brazil’s most famous drink the Caipirinha can be gotten in most places for around US$3-6.

Other random items around Rio de Janeiro can cost the following: (US$)

• Taxi ride from GIG airport to Copacabana/Ipanema – $25-30
• Taxi Ride from Copacabana/Ipanema to Downtown/Lapa – $15
• Bottled Water – $1
• Bottle of Beer – $2
• Movie Ticket – $8
• Hang Gliding Tour – $150-200
• Sunglasses or Ball cap on beach – $6
• Umbrella – $5