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

Should you visit Plzen or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Plzen and Rio de Janeiro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Plzen or Rio de Janeiro?

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, 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 Plzen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Plzen is $142, 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 Plzen and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Plzen $70
    Rio de Janeiro $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Plzen $140
    Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Plzen and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Plzen 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 Plzen


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: Plzen Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Plzen $9.51
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $96
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $127
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $296

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:

  • Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $21
  • One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
  • Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $27
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $31
  • Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $32
  • Private transfer from Galeão Airport to Hotel or Address in Copacabana: $35
  • Transfer in Rio: $35
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer From Galeao Airport To Rio: $37
  • Transfer of 4 Tickets in Rio de Janeiro: $37
  • Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
  • National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer: $46

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

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Plzen 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
    Plzen $61
    Rio de Janeiro $34

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.
    Plzen $25
    Rio de Janeiro $21

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends: $8.99
  • Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English: $11
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $250

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
  • Rocinha Local Tour: $19
  • Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
  • Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
  • Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
  • Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
  • Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
  • Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Plzen $27
    Rio de Janeiro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $118

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


Which is Bigger, Plzen or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Plzen 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 Plzen 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 Plzen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Plzen and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In July, Plzen is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Plzen average around 20°C (67°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Plzen usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Plzen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Plzen 20°C (67°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Plzen as well as Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Plzen is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Plzen averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Plzen usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Plzen gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Plzen 11°C (51°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Plzen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plzen. In the winter, Plzen is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Plzen in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Plzen usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Plzen gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Plzen -1°C (31°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Rio de Janeiro and Plzen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Plzen is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Plzen average around 11°C (51°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Plzen usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Plzen gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Plzen 11°C (51°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Plzen

Plzen Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)