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

Should you visit Canberra or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Canberra or Sao Paulo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Canberra or Sao Paulo?

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Canberra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, 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 Canberra and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Canberra $83
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Canberra $166
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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 Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Canberra $25
    Sao Paulo $5.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • airport transfer: $113
  • Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $80
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $77
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $139
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Canberra 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
    Canberra $35
    Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $17

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.
    Canberra $17
    Sao Paulo $4.08

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $118
  • Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $646
  • Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $870
  • Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Canberra $16
    Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162

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 Canberra and Sao Paulo, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Canberra or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Canberra is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Canberra usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Canberra 20°C (68°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Canberra is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Canberra 17°C (63°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Canberra is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Canberra usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Canberra 11°C (52°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Canberra is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Canberra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sao Paulo. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Canberra 15°C (60°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Canberra

Canberra Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)