A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Fortaleza vs. Sao Paulo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Fortaleza or Sao Paulo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Sao Paulo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Sao Paulo?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $52, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $40. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fortaleza and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $23
    Sao Paulo $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $46
    Sao Paulo $46
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $16
    Sao Paulo $4.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Private Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $385
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Minivan: $336
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Sedan Car: $253
  • Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $240
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Jericoacoara: $228
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada: $149
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $133
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Mundaú: $124
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $124
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $120
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Lagoinha: $112
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Praia das Fontes: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Creative & Natural Transfer São Paulo-Paraty: $375
  • Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out: $200
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Campinas Airport (VCP): $190
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $190
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $190
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $190
  • Private Arrival Transfer: São Paulo Airport to Santos Cruise Terminal: $186
  • Private Departure Transfer from Santos Cruise Terminal to São Paulo Airport: $186
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Jundiai: $153
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos: $125
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Guarulhos City - One Way: $122
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to São Paulo City - One Way: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $18
    Sao Paulo $11

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:

  • Sao Paulo - Pinheiros Gourmet Food Tour (4 hours tour + 3 dishes included): $45
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $79
  • Cooking Class in São Paulo: $268
  • Private Food Tour in São Paulo: $278

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $11
    Sao Paulo $3.06

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoa Quebrada Tour from Fortaleza - With Transportation, Guide and Buggy Ride: $100
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $14
  • Fortaleza City Tour: $18
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Full-Day Guided Tour in Jericoacoara from Fortaleza: $100
  • Tour to Aguas Belas Beach: $24
  • Tour to Canoa Quebrada Beach: $29
  • Tour to Cumbuco Beach: $17
  • Tour to Lagoinha Beach: $22
  • Tour to Morro Branco & Fontes Beach: $21
  • Tour to Mundau Beach: $41

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • 2-Hour Boat and Stand Up Paddle Board Adventure in São Paulo, Brazil: $275
  • 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $85
  • 4 Hour Customized "Private Tour" Drinking, Dining and Entertainment: $400
  • 4-Day Private Guided Tour From São Paulo To Rio de Janeiro – Coastal Trip: $990
  • 4-hour Private Tour - Hidden Gems and Top Sights of São Paulo: $105
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $87
  • 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $270
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $106
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $97
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $189
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $134
  • 8-Day São Paulo Tour: From City to Beaches, Waterfalls & Caves: $2,490

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $7.54
    Sao Paulo $2.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $69

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Sao Paulo, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza than you might in Sao Paulo.


When is the best time to visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January are around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo is about 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Sao Paulo stays around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Sao Paulo.

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the winter. The temperature in Fortaleza is usually 26°C (79°F) in July, and Sao Paulo stays around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Sao Paulo.

In the spring, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October are around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo is about 21°C (70°F).

Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Sao Paulo. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)


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Fortaleza vs. Sao Paulo Travel Comparison

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