A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Sao Paulo for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Sao Paulo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a cultural, dynamic, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Bali and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo than Bali, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sao Paulo is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Sao Paulo is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also home to Ibirapuera Park.

How is Bali different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sao Paulo are among the most recognizable in the world. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Sao Paulo are terrific when it comes to partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Sao Paulo is a must-see party destination. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Resorts?

Bali is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Bali is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great island for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sao Paulo make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Bali is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Bali is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Bali is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Sao Paulo is a good island to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Bali is not popular with students.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sao Paulo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable city. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Bali?

How long in Bali or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bali, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Sao Paulo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bali that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Sao Paulo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bali.

One day in Bali or Sao Paulo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sao Paulo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Sao Paulo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the frequented destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Sao Paulo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Sao Paulo?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural city of Sao Paulo offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Sao Paulo, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Sao Paulo. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Bali or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bali is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Bali or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Bali