Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Sao Paulo $60
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, 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 Luang Prabang and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Sao Paulo $5.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
- Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
- Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Sao Paulo $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Sao Paulo $3.89
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Sao 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 Luang Prabang and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Luang Prabang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Sao Paulo. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.