Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Sao Paulo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Malaga or Sao Paulo?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
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 Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 dayMalaga €140Sao Paulo €49
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, 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 Malaga and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Sao Paulo €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Sao Paulo €56
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Sao Paulo €5.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $296
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Albuñol to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $271
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Albuñol: $270
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $268
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $263
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Tarifa: $263
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Almerimar: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Osuna: $243
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to La Mamola: $243
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $243
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 City - Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $22
- Private One Way Airport Transfer Sao Paulo to and from Sao Paulo: $27
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $36
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €35Sao Paulo €14
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $77
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $148
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.Malaga €31Sao Paulo €3.77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Ronda group walking Tour: $27
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $120
- 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
- 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Sao Paulo €3.28
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $95
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $119
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137
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 Malaga and Sao Paulo, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Malaga or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMalaga 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Malaga is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMalaga 19°C (67°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Malaga is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.
Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMalaga 12°C (54°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Sao Paulo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the spring, Malaga is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMalaga 16°C (60°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Malaga
| Malaga | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (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.