Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Milan or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Sao Paulo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Milan or Sao Paulo?
Milan
Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 dayMilan €166Sao Paulo €49
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, 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 Milan and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96Sao Paulo €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192Sao Paulo €56
Compare Hotels in Milan and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Milan 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: Milan Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35Sao Paulo €5.50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Transfer to Trieste Cruise Port: $2,125
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Venice: $1,539
- Private Transfer to/from Siena and Center of Milan: $1,318
- Nyon: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $1,022
- Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,022
- Interlaken : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $969
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM TÄSCH/ZERMATT TO AIRPORT MALPENSA: $875
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $861
- Montreux : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $807
- Grindelwald: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $807
- Lousanne : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $786
- Bern : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $743
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- 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
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Milan 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 dayMilan €39Sao Paulo €14
Typical Food Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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Cappuccino€1.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $22
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- 2-Hour Cooking Course of Delicious Desserts for Families in Milan: $65
- Mamma Mia - Make Your own Italian Pizza: $69
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
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.Milan €31Sao Paulo €3.77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $176
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.57
- 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $126
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $157
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133
- 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
- 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $183
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour in Milan: $5.48
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: $125
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilan €24Sao Paulo €3.28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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Beer€3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $54
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $94
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $160
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $165
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $182
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $185
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 Milan and Sao Paulo, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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 Milan 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 Milan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Milan or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Milan is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Milan usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMilan 23°C (73°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Milan or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Milan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Milan is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMilan 15°C (58°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Milan or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Sao Paulo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.
It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. In January, Milan is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMilan 5°C (41°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Milan or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Milan as well as Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Milan is much colder than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
Milan usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMilan 13°C (55°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Milan
| Milan | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.