Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Sao Paulo $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $64. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Sao Paulo $6.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
- Madero Tango Show Including Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $179
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $165
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $148
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $173
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $210
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $120
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $240
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $128
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
- Guarulhos Airport to Poços de Caldas Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $282
- Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport: $56
- Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.95Sao Paulo $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $49
- BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $73
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $225
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Sao Paulo $4.11
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 3 Hours Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food): $54
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Sao Paulo: $20
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour: $29
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $30
- Brazil Tropical Fruit Experience in São Paulo: $30
- São Paulo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo: $37
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
- São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Sao Paulo $3.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $60
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When comparing the travel costs between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Sao Paulo. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Sao Paulo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Sao Paulo. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Sao Paulo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.