How much does it cost to visit Rio de Janeiro? Practical budget guide 2025
Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro can feel overwhelming - especially for first-time visitors. But with the right information, it becomes much easier to understand what actually impacts your budget, where to save, and how much to expect to spend on accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and experiences.
This guide brings updated prices as of December 2025 to help you plan realistically.
Important note: all values below are estimates and may change throughout the year. Always check official sources for the latest information.
1. Accommodation in Rio: how much does it cost?
Accommodation is usually one of the biggest parts of any travel budget.
Rio offers options for every type of traveler, with prices varying by neighborhood, hotel category, and season (December, New Year’s Eve, and Carnival are peak periods).
Hostels and budget stays — R$ 80 to R$ 160: Great for solo travelers or anyone looking to save. Recommended areas: Botafogo, Lapa, inner streets of Copacabana.
Mid-range hotels — R$ 260 to R$ 480: A balance between comfort and affordability. Recommended areas: Copacabana, Flamengo, Ipanema.
Premium hotels — R$ 650 to R$ 1,200+: Ideal for those who want ocean views, pools, gyms, and upscale service. Recommended areas: Ipanema, Leblon, beachfront Copacabana.
2. Food: how much does it cost to eat in Rio?
Eating well in Rio doesn’t have to be expensive - and it’s easy to mix budget-friendly meals with authentic local food experiences. The city has everything from award-winning restaurants to traditional botecos serving generous portions.
Budget meals (buffet or simple restaurants): R$ 20 to R$ 35 - Classic carioca lunches: fast, filling, and affordable.
Intermediate meals: R$ 40 to R$ 70 - Popular local restaurants across neighborhoods like Copacabana or Botafogo.
Full meals: R$ 90 to R$ 150+ - More refined menus and well-known establishments.
Botecos and snacks
Savory snacks (pastel, empada, croquette): R$ 8 to R$ 20
600 mL beer: R$ 12 to R$ 20
3. Transportation: how much does it cost to get around?
Rio has several transportation options, and the best one depends on your route.
For direct and predictable trips, the subway (metrô) is often the most efficient.
Public transportation (updated 2025 prices)
Bus: R$ 4.70
Subway (Metrô): R$ 7.90
VLT (light rail): R$ 4.70
Train: R$ 7.60
BRT: R$ 4.70
Ferry to Niterói: R$ 4.70
Charitas ferry: R$ 7.70
Ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99)
Short rides: R$ 12 to R$ 30
Copacabana ↔ Downtown: R$ 25 to R$ 45
Galeão Airport → South Zone: R$ 60 to R$ 120
4. Tourist attractions: updated prices for 2025
Rio’s major attractions have fixed pricing, especially for international visitors.
Christ the Redeemer
Adults (all nationalities): R$ 134
Children 7–11: R$ 107
Brazilian seniors (60+): R$ 70
Sugarloaf Mountain
Cable car round trip: R$ 195 for foreign visitors
Botanical Garden
Foreign visitors: R$ 80
Children under 5: free
Beaches
Access is free, but services vary:
Umbrella rental: R$ 20 to R$ 30
Beach chair: R$ 10 to R$ 15
Coconut water: R$ 6 to R$ 10
5. Suggested daily budget (realistic estimates)
These averages help you plan how much you’ll likely spend each day.
Budget traveler — R$ 150 to R$ 220/day
Hostel + public transport + simple meals.
Mid-range traveler — R$ 320 to R$ 520/day
Mid-range hotel + mixed food options + major attractions.
Comfort traveler — R$ 650 to R$ 1,200+/day
Premium hotel + restaurants + guided experiences.
6. Tips to save money in Rio
With a few smart choices, you can reduce costs without giving up quality.
Stay in well-connected neighborhoods (Botafogo, Flamengo, Downtown).
Use the subway and VLT to avoid traffic delays.
Take advantage of free outdoor attractions on sunny days.
Book attraction tickets in advance.
Explore food options away from the beachfront (cheaper and more authentic).
7. Is it worth booking a tour with a local?
Local-led experiences can help optimize time, avoid unnecessary transportation costs, and reveal places you wouldn’t discover on your own.
If you’re looking for authentic cultural or culinary experiences, Taste Rio Tours offers bar food tours, cultural walks, and personalized itineraries that show Rio through the eyes of a friendly local.
You can check all available options and updated pricing directly on the official website (tasterio.com) to choose what best fits your travel plans.
8. How much does a 3-, 5- or 7-day trip to Rio cost?
These estimates help you visualize the total budget more clearly.
3 days in Rio
Budget: R$ 500 to R$ 800
Mid-range: R$ 1,100 to R$ 1,700
Comfort: R$ 2,200+
5 days in Rio
Budget: R$ 850 to R$ 1,400
Mid-range: R$ 1,800 to R$ 2,900
Comfort: R$ 3,800+
7 days in Rio
Budget: R$ 1,200 to R$ 2,000
Mid-range: R$ 2,600 to R$ 4,300
Comfort: R$ 5,200+
Planning a trip to Rio doesn’t have to be complicated, and with the right information, you can enjoy an amazing experience that fits both your interests and your budget. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your days in the city and inspires you to explore Rio beyond the basics. And if you’re looking for a curated, friendly, and culturally rich way to get to know the city, feel free to reach out and join one of our tours at Taste Rio. We’d love to show you around.
