A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Sao Paulo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $38, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $42. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $15
    Sao Paulo $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Sao Paulo $48
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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Sao Paulo


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $5.87
    Sao Paulo $4.73
Typical Local Transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.62
  • Local Bus
    $0.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.01
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.16
  • Taxi
    $0.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to GRU International Airport: $50
  • CGH Airport transfer Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Creative & Natural Transfer São Paulo-Paraty: $375
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU by Standard Car: $43
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $82
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $77
  • Guarulhos International Airport Transfer: $100
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Guarulhos City - One Way: $122
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to São Paulo City - One Way: $122
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Sao Paulo-Guarulhos Int. Airport (GRU): $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo-Guarulhos Int. Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Sao Paulo: $22

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $12
    Sao Paulo $12
Typical Food prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.12
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.07
  • Empandas
    $0.09
  • Espresso
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.07
  • Ice Cream
    $0.06
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.17
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.05
  • Sweets
    $0.03
  • Hot Dog
    $0.04
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.06
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.77
  • Cake and Coffee
    $2.47
  • Dinner
    $8.76
  • Powerade
    $0.54
  • Lunch
    $3.88
  • Dinner
    $5.65
  • Chocolate
    $15

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:

  • Sao Paulo - Pinheiros Gourmet Food Tour (4 hours tour + 3 dishes included): $45
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $79
  • Cooking Class in São Paulo: $268
  • Private Food Tour in São Paulo: $278

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $12
    Sao Paulo $3.24
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:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.17
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.08
  • Tango Class
    $0.13
  • Bar entrance
    $2.70

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Downtown São Paulo: An audio tour tracing the city's epic history: $5.00
  • Virtual Live Tour of Sao Paulo Graffiti Hosted by Artist: $25
  • Street art is not for lazy tourists :P: $25
  • São Paulo Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $31
  • Paulista Avenue Walking Tour: $31
  • Private São Paulo Historic Center Walking Tour: $45
  • Small Group Highlights Tour in São Paulo: $49
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $50
  • Alternative City Tour: $50
  • Rain Forest Trail - Cantareira Natural Park day tour from São Paulo: $58
  • Embu das Artes Largest Handicraft Fair Tour from São Paulo: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $6.73
    Sao Paulo $2.82
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:


  • Beer
    $0.05
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.09
  • Cocktail
    $0.14
  • Alcohol
    $3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $69

About these numbers

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.


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 are around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos 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. Temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos 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 temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina is usually 12°C (53°F) in July, and Sao Paulo stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos 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 are around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos 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)


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Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Sao Paulo Travel Comparison

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