Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.74Sao Paulo $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $9.74, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $49. 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 $3.92Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.84Sao Paulo $56
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 $1.49Sao Paulo $5.53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $299
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $266
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $244
- Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $201
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Private Transfer from AEP Airport to EZE Airport or Viceversa: $187
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $275
- Arrival Private Transfer Guarulhos Airport GRU to São Paulo City by Minibus: $197
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $126
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $39
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $78
- Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $126
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $78
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $39
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $124
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $145
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $183
- Guarulhos and Viracopos Airport Transfer: $135
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 $3.08Sao Paulo $14
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.02
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.50
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Dinner$1.78
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.79
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Dinner$1.15
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Chocolate$2.95
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.
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $47
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $49
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience: $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:
- 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.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.16Sao Paulo $3.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.55
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $47
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Bike Tour Getting to Know the Best of Buenos Aires: $35
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- 8-Hour Tour of the South Bank of the Río de la Plata: $200
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $137
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 Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.05
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.09
- Casa do Povo: guided tour of Neo Química Arena: $10
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $12
- Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $30
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $32
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $32
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $37
- Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.71Sao Paulo $3.30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.63
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:
- Buenos Aires Pub Crawl: Techno Night: $22
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
- Wine tour with 5 tastings in the heart of Buenos Aires: $49
- Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending Experience: $55
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $56
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: $89
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $166
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.