Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Sao Paulo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, 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 dayChiang Mai $45Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, 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 Chiang Mai and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $218
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $205
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $150
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $145
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $145
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $10Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
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.Chiang Mai $13Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
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 Chiang Mai and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sao Pauloin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Sao Paulo. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.