A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Melbourne or Sao Paulo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Melbourne travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Melbourne and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo than Melbourne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sao Paulo is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Sao Paulo is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also home to Ibirapuera Park.

How is Melbourne different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Melbourne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Sao Paulo are world-renowned. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Melbourne and Sao Paulo offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Sao Paulo is an experience not to be missed. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Sao Paulo is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Sao Paulo draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Melbourne is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Sao Paulo make for a good place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Sao Paulo are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Sao Paulo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sao Paulo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Sao Paulo are very good when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Melbourne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Melbourne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sao Paulo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Melbourne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sao Paulo.

One day in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sao Paulo. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Sao Paulo. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Sao Paulo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Sao Paulo is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Sao Paulo, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Melbourne or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Melbourne is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sao Paulo. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Melbourne or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Melbourne is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Melbourne or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In the spring, Melbourne is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Sao Paulo. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Melbourne