Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn?
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 Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn?
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.
Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.
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 Camping Tours in Argentina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina.
-
Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesPuerto Madryn Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Puerto Madryn $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $61. 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 Puerto Madryn in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Puerto Madryn $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Puerto Madryn $82
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Madryn
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn? 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 Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Puerto Madryn $2.53
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $138
- Puerto Madryn Airport Private Transfer: $216
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn 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 $34Puerto Madryn $7.60
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.Rio de Janeiro $21Puerto Madryn $45
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 Puerto Madryn
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:
- Madryn Bike Tours. Punta Loma: sea lions, shipwrecks, and cliffs: $55
- El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn: $60
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- Shore Tour Punta Loma & city tour cruise passengers Puerto Madryn: $65
- Punta Loma & City Tour for Cruise Passengers: $65
- Puerto Madryn Punta Loma Shore Tour with Craft Beer Tasting: $70
- El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour: $70
- Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
- Cruise Shore Punta Loma and city overview: $83
- Solo Ballenas - Share-Based Whale Watching and Guided Tour: $83
- Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $90
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Puerto Madryn $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Madryn, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Madryn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn.
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 Puerto Madryn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Madryn, 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 Puerto Madryn?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Madryn. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Puerto Madryn. 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 the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Madryn. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 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 AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?
Both Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?
Both Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Madryn. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 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 OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Puerto Madryn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.