Which place is cheaper, Havana or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Havana 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: Rio de Janeiro or Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesHavana Prices
Cuba Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Havana $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Havana $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Havana? 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Havana $19
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$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
- Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $34Havana $18
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$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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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
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Havana $11
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
Tours and Activities in Havana
Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Havana $5.76
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Havana, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro is in South America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Havana?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Havana, 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 Rio de Janeiro or Havana?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Havanain July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors 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 during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Havanain October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Havana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Havana. The winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Havanain January. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Havanain January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Havana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Havana. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Havanain April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.