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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Dubrovnik?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $103, 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 Dubrovnik and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $53
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $106
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $13
    Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,036
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $592
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $562
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $546
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $538
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $538
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $454
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $454
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $431
  • Private One Way Transfer from Hvar to Dubrovnik: $396
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $394
  • One Way Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $394

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 Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo?

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

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $82
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $144
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $166
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $199
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $203
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $210
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $215

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.
    Dubrovnik $20
    Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
  • Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $112
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
  • 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik : $105
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
  • 10 Days Tour: Exploring Croatia, Istria and Dalmatia: $3,080
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour : $151
  • 2 hrs Guided Tour to CAVTAT a Small Place for Great Art: $27
  • 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $137
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $109

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
    Dubrovnik $15
    Sao Paulo $3.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $81
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town : $89
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $93
  • E-Bike Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small Group): $97

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


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dubrovnik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubrovnik is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 25°C (77°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, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dubrovnik is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubrovnik in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Sao Paulo. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 9°C (48°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Sao Paulo. The spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dubrovnik is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)