A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Sao Paulo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Sao Paulo?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $64. 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 Akureyri and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Sao Paulo? 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.

Hotels in Akureyri


Hotels in Sao Paulo


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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Sao Paulo $6.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $163
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $116
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $147
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $172
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $119
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $239
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $255
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $147
  • Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $171
  • Guarulhos Airport GRU to Águas de Lindoia Round Trip Transfer: $205
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $45
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Akureyri 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 day
    Akureyri $70
    Sao Paulo $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $73
  • 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
  • Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $223

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Sao Paulo $4.11

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $156
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
  • Akureyri Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $164
  • Akureyri Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $255
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.43
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Sao Paulo: $20
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $29
  • Brazil Tropical Fruit Experience in São Paulo: $30
  • São Paulo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo: $37
  • Historical and Cultural Tour of the Center DE São Paulo: $39
  • Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Sao Paulo $3.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Sao Paulo, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Sao Paulo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 610 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Sao Paulo, 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 Akureyri or Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Akureyri or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Sao Paulo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Sao Paulo. Additionally, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Akureyri

Akureyri Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)