Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Sao Paulo?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, 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 dayHelsinki €139Sao Paulo €49
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, 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 Helsinki and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Sao Paulo €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Sao Paulo €56
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Sao Paulo €5.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $743
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $145
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $140
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $137
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $135
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $130
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $80
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $77
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $139
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €34Sao Paulo €14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $107
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
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.Helsinki €27Sao Paulo €3.77
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $142
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $21
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $7.99
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,049
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $107
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $97
- E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $334
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 dayHelsinki €16Sao Paulo €3.28
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 Helsinki and Sao Paulo, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Helsinki or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Sao Paulo. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JanuaryHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Sao Paulo. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 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 AprilHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JulyHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 OctoberHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.