Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or La Paz?
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 La Paz 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
-
Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesLa Paz Prices
Bolivia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115La Paz $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $56. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64La Paz $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or La Paz? 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 and La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65La Paz $9.45
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- La Paz Private Airport Transfer Service: $90
- Airport Transfer In_night: $47
- Bus Station Transfer Out_night : $25
- Private Departure Transfer: La Paz Hotels to El Alto International Airport: $37
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $52
- Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City by MiniVan/Bus: $28
- Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
- Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
- Private Transfer from El Alto Airport to La Paz, Bolivia Hotels: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
-
Food Meals for one dayRio de Janeiro $34La Paz $29
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
Typical Food Prices in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Fruit$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Paz : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $77
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21La Paz $16
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
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets: $5.00
- City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
- Walking tour La Paz city: $14
- El Alto Tour: Andean Spirituality, the Chola, and Cable Car Views: $16
- Half Day Guided Tour in El Alto City: $19
- La Paz City Tour Essential: $23
- Cholet Tour - Andean Architecture and Culture - El Alto: $26
- La Paz Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- La Paz Guided Sightseeing Tour on Bus and Cable Car: $30
- Smells like La Paz spirit: Walking & artistic city tour: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12La Paz $11
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 Rio de Janeiro and La Paz, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.
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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or La Paz?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and La Paz, 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.
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.