Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Mar del Plata?
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 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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Mar del Plata Prices
Argentina PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $57Sao Paulo $60
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $57, 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 Mar del Plata and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $43Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $86Sao Paulo $56
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $3.11Sao Paulo $5.76
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 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
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Food Meals for one dayMar del Plata $6.87Sao Paulo $24
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.Mar del Plata $21Sao Paulo $3.89
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 dayMar del Plata $7.75Sao 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 comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
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. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMar 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. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
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. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMar 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. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
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. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMar 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.
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. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMar 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) |
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.