Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Sao Paulo $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $52. 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 Fortaleza and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Sao Paulo $60
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Sao Paulo $5.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $255
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $177
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $150
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Campinas International Airport (VCP) to Santos Port: $300
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- 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
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $24Sao Paulo $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza
For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $27
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.Fortaleza $15Sao Paulo $4.05
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $55
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza City Tour : $26
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- Half-Day City Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $147
- 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): $147
- 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: $88
- 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): $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Sao Paulo $3.52
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: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 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 average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo averages at 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFortaleza 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. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFortaleza 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 daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyFortaleza 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 average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo averages at 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFortaleza 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) |
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.