Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Moscow or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Sao Paulo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Sao Paulo?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $53. 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 Moscow and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Sao Paulo $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
-
Two Metro Passes$1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $80
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $77
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $139
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Moscow 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$6.00
-
Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
-
Breakfast for 2$11
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Theater Tickets$13
-
Kremlin Entry (2)$11
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Sao Paulo $3.55
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 Moscow and Sao Paulo, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow 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 Moscow Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Sao Paulo?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Sao Paulo. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Moscow or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Sao Paulo.
In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMoscow 19°C (67°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Sao Paulo.
Moscow is much colder than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMoscow 6°C (43°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMoscow -8°C (17°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMoscow 7°C (45°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Moscow
| Moscow | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.