Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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: Beijing or Sao Paulo?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, 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 Beijing and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Sao Paulo $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.63Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.71
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.90
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.28
-
2 Metro Passes$2.21
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 30pax: $850
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 15pax: $490
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 5pax: $380
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $256
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $245
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $236
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
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 Beijing or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $21Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Deal 20% off Beijing Nango HotSpring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- Beijing Evening Guided Tour: Roast Duck Dinner and Acrobatic Show: $102
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $108
- Beijing’s Delights Dong Si Hutong Half Day Private Food Tour: $110
- Private Beijing Food Tour in Traditional Hutongs: $119
- Old Beijing Lamb Ribs Hot Pot Hutong Food Tour : $125
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
-
Two Opera Tickets$59
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Sao Paulo $3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $120
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
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 Beijing and Sao Paulo, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Beijing or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Beijing is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sao Pauloin January. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBeijing 27°C (80°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Sao Paulo. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin April. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBeijing 14°C (56°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Sao Paulo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBeijing -4°C (26°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Beijing is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBeijing 14°C (57°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Beijing
| Beijing | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.