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

Should you visit Malmo 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 Malmo 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: Malmo or Rio de Janeiro?

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

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 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Malmo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Malmo Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Malmo $115
    Rio de Janeiro $115

The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $115, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Malmo and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Rio de Janeiro $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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 Malmo


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $58
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $106
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $168

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
    $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $54
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
  • Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
  • Transfer service to/from Rio and Angra dos Reis / Conceição de J.: $106
  • Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $150
  • Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $106
  • Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
  • Transfer in Rio: $35
  • Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $32
  • Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airports to Hotels and Destinations: $48
  • Transfer Rio to Búzios, Arraial Do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Angra dos Reis: $150
  • Transfer International Airport GIG or SDU Rio de Janeiro: $58

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

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Malmo 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
    Malmo $51
    Rio de Janeiro $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $72

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
    $0.56
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.75
  • Hamburger
    $0.94

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 and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
  • Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
  • Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
  • LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
  • Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
  • Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $18
    Rio de Janeiro $21

Tours and Activities in Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63
  • The Headless Horseman in Malmö: A self-guided walking tour game: $8.63
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $39
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67

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 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
  • A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
  • Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
  • 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
  • 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
  • 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
  • 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
  • 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    Rio de Janeiro $12

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:

  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
  • Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110


When comparing the travel costs between Malmo and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Malmo is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malmo Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo 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 Malmo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malmo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°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. Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 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
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malmo is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. Malmo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 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
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malmo is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Malmo

Malmo Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)