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

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

Where Should I go: La Plata or Sao Paulo?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or La Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.84, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $54. 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 La Plata and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.56
    Sao Paulo $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $7.12
    Sao Paulo $62
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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 La Plata


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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.54
    Sao Paulo $6.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $237
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $230
  • 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
  • Arrival Private Transfer Guarulhos Airport GRU to São Paulo City by Minibus: $194
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $183
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $183
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $172
  • Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and La Plata 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
    La Plata $3.46
    Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.22
    Sao Paulo $4.18
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

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: $109
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $154
  • 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: $92
  • 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): $257
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.24
    Sao Paulo $3.64

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: $100
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in La Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Plata Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata 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 La Plata or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

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

In the summer, La Plata is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Plata in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In January, La Plata usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

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

In April, La Plata is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

La Plata usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

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

La Plata is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, La Plata usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Sao Paulo.

In the spring, La Plata is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Plata in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F).

La Plata receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata usually gets more rain in October than Sao Paulo. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and La Plata

La Plata Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)