Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Osaka or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Osaka or Sao Paulo?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 dayOsaka $88Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, 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 Osaka and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Osaka Kyoto Transfer:10 hours English driver: $366
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $341
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $276
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 9 Pax): $267
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $248
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (ITM) to Toyama Cruise Port: $219
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $216
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 Osaka or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Sao Paulo $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
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.Osaka $20Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $184
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $142
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $40
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $120
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
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 dayOsaka $12Sao Paulo $3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
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 Osaka and Sao Paulo, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Osaka or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Osaka is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 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 JanuaryOsaka 28°C (82°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Sao Paulo. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the autumn, Osaka is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 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 AprilOsaka 19°C (66°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Osaka is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 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 January and JulyOsaka 6°C (42°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.
Osaka is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 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 OctoberOsaka 15°C (59°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Osaka
| Osaka | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.