Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Florence?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florence or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Florence or Sao Paulo?
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 dayFlorence €154Sao Paulo €49
The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is €154, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is €49. 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 Florence and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorence €87Sao Paulo €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorence €174Sao Paulo €56
Compare Hotels in Florence and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Florence 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: Florence Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florence €22Sao Paulo €5.50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Amalfi Coast Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii: $1,184
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,184
- Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to Florence or Siena: $899
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Pisa: $570
- Private Transfer to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $432
- From Private Transfer to Siena: $398
- From Private Transfer to Livorno Port: $389
- Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $389
- Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $316
- Private Transfer from Castelfalfi to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $294
- Florence Airport(FLR) to Chianciano - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $293
- Horse ride in the Mugello (transfer from / to Florence) and Tuscan aperitif: $293
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 Florence or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Florence 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 dayFlorence €36Sao Paulo €14
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $29
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $33
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $59
- Cooking Art Brunelleschi : $59
- 3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna: $59
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.Florence €30Sao Paulo €3.77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Express Early Morning Uffizi Small Group Tour I Max 6 People: $141
- Florence Duomo: VIP After-Hours Dome Tour with Terrace Access: $174
- Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
- Florence-Private bike tour: $98
- Uffizi Skip-the-Line Entry & Guided Tour: $71
- Private Tour of Uffizi and Accademia Gallery with David: $228
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $197
- 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
- 1-Hour Mythological Tour in Piazza della Signoria: Experience for Children: $49
- 2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence: $164
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 dayFlorence €18Sao Paulo €3.28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Sip, Savor, Save! Youth Wine Tasting Tour with Appitisers: $28
- Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Florence city centre: $44
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 Florence and Sao Paulo, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florence or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Florence or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Florence is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florence in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Florence usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorence 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Florence or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Florence during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
In October, Florence is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 16°C (61°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Florence usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 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 AprilFlorence 16°C (61°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Florence or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Florence is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Florence usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorence 7°C (45°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Florence or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Florence as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Florence is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florence in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
Florence usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorence 14°C (57°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Florence
| Florence | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.