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

Should you visit Petra or Sao Paulo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Sao Paulo?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Petra and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Petra and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Sao Paulo $5.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Sao Paulo $24
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

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:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Sao Paulo $3.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
  • Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Sao Paulo, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 720 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Petra or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Sao Paulo. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Petra is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Petra usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

Petra is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Petra

Petra Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)