A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Sao Paulo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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: Nagano or Sao Paulo?

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Nagano?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, 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 Nagano and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagano $61
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagano $122
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Nagano and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Nagano 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.

Hotels in Nagano


Hotels in Sao Paulo


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: Nagano Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagano $9.80
    Sao Paulo $5.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687

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 Nagano or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Nagano 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 day
    Nagano $22
    Sao Paulo $15

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.
    Nagano $8.17
    Sao Paulo $4.08

Tours and Activities in Nagano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55

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 day
    Nagano -
    Sao 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 Nagano and Sao Paulo, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nagano or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nagano or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nagano is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin January. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nagano 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nagano is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nagano 16°C (60°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Sao Paulo. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. Nagano is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nagano 2°C (36°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nagano is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

Nagano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sao Pauloin October. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nagano 11°C (52°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Nagano

Nagano Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)