Rio de Janeiro vs Sydney - City Size Comparison

Is Rio de Janeiro Bigger Than Sydney?

In terms of area, Sydney is 10.1x the size of Rio de Janeiro. Sydney spans 12,368 km² (4,775 mi²) while Rio de Janeiro covers 1,221 km² (471 mi²) — a difference of 11,147 km². You could fit Rio de Janeiro inside Sydney approximately 10 times.

About Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's iconic coastal city known for Carnival. Known as "The Marvelous City", Rio de Janeiro covers 1,221 km² with a population of 6.8 million. The city was established in 1565. Rio de Janeiro is known for Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Carnival, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the MetrôRio.

Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning an average of 6 times per year

About Sydney

Australia's largest city, known for the Opera House. Often called "The Harbour City", Sydney has an area of 12,368 km² and is home to 5.3 million people. Its history stretches back to 1788. Visitors come for Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Sydney Trains.

Sydney's administrative area is so large it stretches from the coast to the Blue Mountains foothills

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Sydney metropolitan area covers 12,368 km², which is 1.8x larger than greater Rio de Janeiro at 6,744 km². The Rio de Janeiro metro area is also more populous, with 13.5 million people compared to 5.3 million.

Population Density

Rio de Janeiro has a population density of 5,528 people per km² — a densely populated city. Sydney, with 429 people per km², is a low-density, sprawling urban area. Rio de Janeiro is dramatically more crowded, with 12.9x the population density.

Climate & Time Zone

Rio de Janeiro has a tropical savanna climate while Sydney experiences humid subtropical conditions. When it's noon in Sydney, it's midnight in Rio de Janeiro — a 13-hour time difference.