Is Brazil expensive for backpackers and budget travelers?
Brazil is a really awesome country to travel around. From the perfect climate and beaches of cities like Rio to the festive vibes and atmosphere of Bahia, it’s got a lot going for it.
However Brazil tends to be a tricker one to budget for, given prices here tend to be more expensive than most other Latin American nations. This often confuses travelers on how to budget, and also how to keep costs lower when exploring this giant nation.
In this guide we’ll look at the typical costs you can expect when visiting Brazil, such as for accommodation, food and getting around. As well as recommending some of the best tours you can head on, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
What's in this guide?
Is Brazil Expensive for Tourists?
Quick Answer: Yes – Brazil is amongst the top 5 most expensive countries in Latin America – so you’ll need to adjust your budget to be able to extend your stay here.
This is assuming you are coming from neighbouring Argentina or Bolivia and are accustom to their rock-bottom prices, if you’ll be arriving from Central America, you’re in for a shock!
However, the good news is that savvy budget travelers can still expect a daily budget of $30, which includes sleeping in a dorm room and sticking to local Brazilian restaurants. Those who like a bit more luxury will want to budget anywhere from $45-55 a day.
Things to know before traveling to Brazil
Here are a couple of things to know before traveling to Brazil that may help you travel better and make smarter decisions when it comes to your budget.
- Giant Travel Distances – As you can imagine, the amount of miles here can quickly add up. Although buses are reliable and of good quality, some routes can easily exceed 20 hours. Even if you’re committed to saving like we are, sometimes a flight or two in this country will be better for you longer-term. Not only do you arrive quicker, however you can also get some much needed rest too.
- Plan Longer – Naturally following on from the last point, Brazil is not a country to rush. Even in each city you’ll find multiple awesome attractions, so you’re going to need to take it easier here. We’d personally say a minimum of 1 month when in the south, however if you’re heading to areas such as the Brazilian Amazon and further north then 2 months is much better.
- Staying Safe in Big Cities – Brazilian cities are quite unique, in that they are all sprawling and huge. Naturally this means there’s going to be more good and not-so-good areas, so be sure to lodge up in the better neighbourhoods. This is even more important in the north of Brazil where crime is more common, such as in Salvador (stay in Barra) as well as Fortaleza (stay in Iracema). If you’ll be traveling soon, see this list of safe Brazilian cities for more ideas on where to go here.
How much does a trip to Brazil cost?
This depends on your trip style (and length of course). Backpackers on a shoestring budget can simply multiply $25 by the amount of days that they are there. If you want a more comfortable experience, then it’s better to increase this to around $35 a day.
Always remember to factor in extra budget for tours, flights and transport, given these won’t be included in our usual day to day costs.
Cost of Accommodation in Brazil
Travelers who are staying in hostels generally won’t see a large increase in prices. You’ll still very much be able to pay under $10 for a dorm bed, although in the more popular areas (Copacabana in Rio, Vila Madalena in São Paulo) hostels will be more expensive.
If you’ll be visiting Rio first then The Solar Hostel is a great option, which is both inexpensive and is close to both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
You can also find reasonably priced private rooms too, which is great for couples or travelers looking to change things up once in a while. Average prices begin around $20-30 for a night (although this quickly rises in the bigger cities).
Those after a high quality private room in São Paulo will love the GoodStay São Paulo, which is located right next to Ibirapuera Park.
It’s also important to remember that prices can fluctuate around peak times. This includes the popular months of January and February, as well as carnival (when George was in Rio he saw prices triple when carnival hit!).
Cost of Food in Brazil
Whilst the most popular cuisine in Latin America, Brazilian food still packs quite the punch. Eating locally remains the best option of keeping things cheap, and a main dish will cost between $3-5.
If you like eating fast food then you’ll find prices here more expensive than other Latin nations. For example a Big Mac meal will cost $5+ depending on the city.
Other restaurants only get more expensive, and if you’re after a more romantic or exquisite setting then you could be looking as much as $25+ for one person.
Food tours are a popular way of exploring authentic Brazilian cuisine, given you’ll get lots of value (many dishes with a knowledgeable local in little time). We highly recommend this food tour in São Paulo where you’ll visit the market of Pinheiros to try various appetisers, mains and beer testing.
Cost of Transportation in Brazil
One of the biggest surprises has to be the costs of getting around Brazil. And it’s not good either, with bus costs being the largest expense of all.
The route from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is a good example. The journey is around 6 hours, and will cost $25.
We also need to remember that distance between further-afield destinations can be mammoth-sized, which only runs up the costs quicker. If heading directly from Recife to Salvador, then this can cost as much as $50 (and take over a day too!).
Of course we can also find cheaper routes too, which are more common in the north of Brazil. One of these is when heading from Fortaleza to the popular beach town of Jericoacoara, which can be bought for just $10 (it takes around 6 hours).
Always be sure to check out domestic flights in Brazil as an option, as similar prices can easily make the flight much more efficient than by going by bus.
Cost of Tours & Attractions in Brazil
Certain experiences such as seeing Christ the Redeemer are always going to be more expensive – that’s just the way it works with super touristy gems.
However you can often find better value when going with organised tours in Brazil. Not only are costs reasonable, however you’ll also usually have all transport, food and extras thrown in too.
One of our favourites has to be this highly-rated day tour around Rio de Janeiro. Here you’ll visit 6 of the very best stops, including Christ the Redeemer, the Maracanã Stadium as well as the legendary Sugarloaf Mountain. As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off, you’ll also have lunch included too.
How expensive is Brazil FAQs
How much money should I take to Brazil for 2 weeks?
Overall you’ll need between $500-800 (not including flights in and out). For your daily budget, you’ll need anywhere from $350-600 depending on your accommodation and daily food choices. You’ll also need money for transport and tours, so we’d estimate an extra $200 for these.
Is Brazil safe for tourists?
Brazil isn’t the safest country around, and this will be felt more within the big cities. Walking around during the day alone is okay, however you’ll need to follow safety precautions given that theft and assault can be common in certain areas. This gets worse at night, so make sure to heed local advice wherever you visit.
How much does it cost to go to Brazil from the USA?
You can actually find some really cheap flights on comparison sites such as SkyScanner. A one-way from the USA to Brazil can cost just $200-300, with São Paulo usually the most popular arrival point (it’s the biggest city in Latin America after all). Other popular routes are to Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza.
Is Brazil cheaper than Argentina?
This is definitely so given the recent economic crisis in Argentina (it’s super cheap there right now). However even before, Brazil has always been slightly more expensive for travelers heading around the country than when doing so in Argentina.
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Is Brazil Expensive for Tourists?
That’s all for our guide on how expensive Brazil is and our tips on budgeting.
From exploring the deep Amazon jungle to partying in the festive coastal cities, Brazil isn’t slowing down for anyone. This means you’ll also want to plan more time for this beast, given the sheer size and amount of things to see and do.
In this guide we’ve looked at how much money you’ll need when traveling around Brazil. This guide focuses more on the minimum needed for low-budget travelers, so of course if you feel like upgrading then by all means go for it!
If you’ll be traveling to Brazil soon or already in the country, be sure to read our Brazil Itinerary to learn how to best use your time when in this South American giant.
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Greetings, fellow travelers and budget enthusiasts! I bring to you a wealth of first-hand expertise and in-depth knowledge on budget traveling, particularly in the captivating land of Brazil. Having traversed through the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural hotspots of this South American giant, I am well-acquainted with the intricacies of budgeting for a backpacking adventure in Brazil.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article, "Is Brazil expensive for backpackers and budget travelers?"
Is Brazil Expensive for Tourists? Absolutely, and I can vouch for this based on my personal experiences. Brazil ranks among the top 5 most expensive countries in Latin America. Coming from neighboring countries like Argentina or Bolivia, accustomed to rock-bottom prices, you might find Brazil to be a significant adjustment. However, with savvy budgeting, a daily budget of $30 is feasible for those opting for dorm accommodations and local Brazilian restaurants, while a more luxurious stay may require a budget of $45-55 per day.
Things to know before traveling to Brazil Understanding the vast distances in Brazil is crucial. While buses are reliable, some routes can exceed 20 hours. Planning longer stays, especially in the diverse regions like the Brazilian Amazon, is recommended. Safety is paramount in the sprawling cities, with certain neighborhoods being safer than others.
How much does a trip to Brazil cost? Costs vary based on your travel style and length. Backpackers on a shoestring budget can estimate around $25 per day, while those seeking a more comfortable experience may budget around $35 per day. Additional budgeting is necessary for tours, flights, and transportation.
Cost of Accommodation in Brazil Hostel prices generally remain affordable, with dorm beds under $10. Private rooms start at around $20-30 per night, though prices can rise in popular areas during peak times.
Cost of Food in Brazil Eating locally is the key to keeping food costs low, with main dishes ranging from $3-5. Fast food can be pricier than in other Latin American nations, and upscale dining can cost $25 or more per person.
Cost of Transportation in Brazil Bus costs are a significant expense, with examples like the 6-hour journey from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro costing $25. Longer distances between cities can be costly, and considering domestic flights can be more efficient in some cases.
Cost of Tours & Attractions in Brazil Certain iconic experiences, like seeing Christ the Redeemer, come with a price tag. Organized tours offer value with included transport, food, and extras.
How expensive is Brazil FAQs Answers to common questions, such as the budget for a two-week trip ($500-800 excluding flights), safety concerns in big cities, flight costs from the USA to Brazil ($200-300), and a comparison of Brazil's cost to Argentina's are provided.
In conclusion, while Brazil may pose a challenge to budget travelers, strategic planning and informed choices can make this awe-inspiring destination accessible to all. Whether you're exploring the Amazon or reveling in the coastal festivities, Brazil's charm is boundless, and with the right budget, your adventure awaits! Safe travels!
