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

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 Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place 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 $11, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $54. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.24
    Sao Paulo $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.48
    Sao Paulo $62
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 $1.62
    Sao Paulo $6.10
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
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.10

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
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $255
  • 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
  • Buenos Aires: Temaiken Biopark including Transfers: $227
  • Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $200
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Guarulhos Airport GRU to São Paulo City by Minibus: $194
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $63
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $63
  • 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: $127
  • 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
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194

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 $3.33
    Sao Paulo $15
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
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.93
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.86
  • Dinner
    $1.25
  • Chocolate
    $3.20

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.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in boutique hotel in Palermo: $40
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $42
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $44

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.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.43
    Sao Paulo $4.18
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)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.59

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: $59
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $80
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $244
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 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: $46
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70

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: $8.10
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Casa do Povo: guided tour of Neo Química Arena: $11
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Street art is not for lazy tourists :P: $16
  • Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $28
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $34
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $34
  • Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.85
    Sao Paulo $3.64
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
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.68

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:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • 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 Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74

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: $100
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $185


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.


  • 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. 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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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)