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

Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Sao Paulo?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Guilin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Guilin and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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 Guilin


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Sao Paulo $5.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Guilin 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
    Guilin $39
    Sao Paulo $24
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

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:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Sao Paulo $3.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
  • 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Sao Paulo, we can see that Guilin is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Guilin or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Sao Paulo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Guilin is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Guilin usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Sao Paulo. Additionally, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Guilin is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

In April, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Guilin

Guilin Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)