Rio de Janeirois 27% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (31/10) vs Santiago "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $27/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
🇨🇱 Santiago
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
23 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $106/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $45/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.36, dorms avg $36
★★★★★
Coffee $3.52, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.85, 23 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $3.49, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
29 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 🇨🇱 Santiago | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $24 cheaper | $33 | $9/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $38 cheaper | $53 | $15/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $63 cheaper | $86 | $23/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | 🇨🇱 Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.45 40% less | $10.70 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $15.55 35% less | $23.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.85 47% less | $3.49 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.36 33% less | $3.52 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.25 | $0.85 32% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇧🇷▼
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
31
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $36/night). Strong hostel scene (23 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelChez Zany Santa Teresa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$27/night
Total hostels23
🇨🇱▼
Santiago
Chile
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMaktub Europa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
🇨🇱 Santiago
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Rio de Janeiro & Santiago
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
30°C
High
/
24°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 202mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇨🇱 Santiago
27°C
High
/
15°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 4mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
1. Confeitaria ColomboFree
2. Museu da RepúblicaFree
3. SugarloafFree
4. Almirante BarrosoFree
5. Curva do CalomboFree
🇨🇱 Santiago
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Rio de Janeiro or Santiago cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Rio de Janeiro vs Santiago?+
Do I need a visa for Rio de Janeiro or Santiago?+
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro or Santiago?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Rio de Janeiro and Santiago?+
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