Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Sao Paulo?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
- From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
- Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
- Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
- 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
- Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
- Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275
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 Dubai or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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.Dubai $19Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22
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 dayDubai $23Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
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 Dubai and Sao Paulo, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dubai or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDubai 35°C (95°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDubai 29°C (84°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
In January, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin July. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDubai 19°C (66°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Sao Paulo. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dubai is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDubai 26°C (79°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Dubai
| Dubai | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°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.