Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Sao Paulo?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
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 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Sao Paulo $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $52. 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 Asuncion and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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.
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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Sao Paulo $5.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $114
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $76
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $138
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos <> GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $130
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Asuncion 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
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Food Meals for one dayAsuncion $17Sao Paulo $15
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:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16Sao Paulo $4.05
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
- Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
- Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
- Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $151
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $109
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10Sao Paulo $3.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $97
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Sao Paulo, we can see that Asuncion is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Asuncion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asuncion 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 Asuncion Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Asuncion. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Sao Paulo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Asuncion or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Sao Paulo.
In January, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Sao Paulo.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In July, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Asuncion during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than Sao Paulo. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.