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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Sao Paulo?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Punta del Este?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $101, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $54. 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 Punta del Este and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $56
    Sao Paulo $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $112
    Sao Paulo $62
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este


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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Sao Paulo $6.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $86
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $73
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $50
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $236
  • 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
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $182
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $182
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
  • Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $169
  • Private Transfer from Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $169

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Sao Paulo $4.14

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • City Tour Punta del Este: $95
  • Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
  • East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $294
  • Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
  • Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
  • Half Day Tour in Piriapolis from Punta del Este: $170

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: $154
  • 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
  • 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $109
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $154
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $93
  • 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): $257
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.91
    Sao Paulo $3.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $160

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: $100
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Sao Paulo, we can see that Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1390 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°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, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Sao Paulo. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Punta del Este is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Sao Paulo.

In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Sao Paulo.

Punta del Este is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Punta del Este usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sao Paulo. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)