Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Foz Do Iguacu, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Sao Paulo $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $52. 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 $39Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Sao Paulo $60
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 $7.32Sao Paulo $5.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Campinas International Airport (VCP) to Santos Port: $300
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- 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
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
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 $13Sao Paulo $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
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.Montevideo $21Sao Paulo $4.05
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $147
- 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): $147
- 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: $88
- 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): $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Sao Paulo $3.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
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: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.