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

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

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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 Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, 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 Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, 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 Mar del Plata and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Sao Paulo $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Sao Paulo $62
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Mar del 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 Mar del 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    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 Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Mar del 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
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Sao Paulo $15

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.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Sao Paulo $4.18

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
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    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 Mar del Plata and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del 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 Mar del Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del 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 Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

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

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

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

Mar del Plata is cooler than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

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

In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Sao Paulo. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)