Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or Sao Paulo?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $68Sao Paulo $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $68, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $58. 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 Montevideo and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $37Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $74Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $6.78Sao Paulo $5.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento: $438
- Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este: $328
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $84
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $79
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $79
- Carrasco Airport(MVD) to Montevideo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Transfer from the Hotel in Montevideo to Montevideo airport: $60
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $41
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 Sao Paulo City Hotels to Ilhabela Port: $286
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $286
- Guarulhos Airport to Poços de Caldas Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $277
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $253
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $249
- Private Transfer from Santos Port to Sao Paulo Int Airport (GRU): $247
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Santos hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $237
- Private Transfer from Ubatuba Port to Sao Paulo City Hotels: $222
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Int Airport (GRU) to Ubatuba Port: $222
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Ubatuba Port: $222
- Private Transfer from Ubatuba Port to Sao Paulo Int Airport (GRU): $222
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22Sao Paulo $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $95
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $104
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $110
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:
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $256
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $19Sao Paulo $3.73
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
- Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
- Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best Montevideo Experience for Cruisersâ Small Shared Group : $65
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $205
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
- Best private tour of Montevideo designed for cruise passengers: $200
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Colonia & Montevideo from Buenos Aires - Private 2 Day Tour: $1,560
- Complete Tour of Uruguay: $1,424
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: $123
- 4 Hour Private City Tour in Sao Paulo: $138
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 5-Hour Private Tour: São Paulo's Green Neighborhoods & Sunset: $159
- 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): $230
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $180
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Sao Paulo $3.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $116
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $215
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
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
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $157
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $184
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Sao Paulo, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Montevideo is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In January, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
In the autumn, Montevideo is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Sao Paulo. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JulyMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Sao Paulo. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city.
Montevideo is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than Sao Paulo. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.