Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Brisbane or Sao Paulo?
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, 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 dayBrisbane $133Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, 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 Brisbane and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $82Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $164Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Theme Park Return Transfer: $529
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $254
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $208
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $208
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $186
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $145
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $31Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
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.Brisbane $24Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $125
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $51Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
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 Brisbane and Sao Paulo, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Brisbane is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sao Paulo. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 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 JanuaryBrisbane 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Brisbane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brisbane in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 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 AprilBrisbane 22°C (71°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Brisbane is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 15°C (59°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JulyBrisbane 15°C (59°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Sao Paulo. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Brisbane is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Brisbane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sao Paulo. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 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 OctoberBrisbane 21°C (69°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Brisbane
| Brisbane | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.