Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Sao Paulo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Sao Paulo?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $76Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $53. 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 Bangkok and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $41Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $82Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.74Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.17
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Skytrain Ticket$4.35
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.87
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Ferry Ride$0.71
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Taxi From Airport$6.79
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Short Taxi Ride$2.45
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Boat Taxi$1.36
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Trains to airport$4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $300
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $290
- Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $290
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $261
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $243
- From Damnoen and Maeklong Markets Private Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $216
- Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $213
- From Pattaya Private Day Trip with Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from Don Muang Airport to Koh Chang Hotel: $199
- Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $188
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $63
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $125
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $63
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $77
- Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $125
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $123
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $18Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$24
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.43
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.22
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.82
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.43
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Pad Thai$1.90
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Airport Lunch for 2$15
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Lunch for 2$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $25
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
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.Bangkok $16Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.35
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$9.51
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.36
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.43
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Club Cover Charge$10
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$65
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Fish Pedicure$4.08
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.72
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Siriraj Museum (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
- Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
- Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $113
- 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $224
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.95Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $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: $54
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Sao Paulo, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Bangkok. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bangkok or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBangkok 29°C (84°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
Bangkok is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBangkok 28°C (83°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Sao Paulo. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Bangkok is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBangkok 27°C (80°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
In April, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBangkok 31°C (87°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.