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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo?

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.

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 Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Colonia del Sacramento?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $67, 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Sao Paulo $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Sao Paulo $62
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento


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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Sao Paulo $6.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento

Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • airport transfer: $117
  • Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $81
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $39
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $78
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $39
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $141
  • Transfer VCP airport Viracopos <> GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $133
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $66
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $37
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Colonia del Sacramento 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
    Colonia del Sacramento $19
    Sao Paulo $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento

For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95

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.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Sao Paulo $4.18

Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento

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

  • Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
  • City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $63
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $100
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • Fripp Winery Experience Day Trip-Colonia del Sacramento: $200
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55

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: $109
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $154
  • 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: $92
  • 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
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $257
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
    Sao Paulo $3.64

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


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Sao Paulo.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Sao Paulo.

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Sao Paulo. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)