Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Sao Paulo $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $64. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $52Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $104Sao Paulo $60
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Sao Paulo $6.09
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 Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $271
- Bodega Garzon Wine Experience with Private Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Special Art Icons Tour: $185
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $165
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $165
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $114
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
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 Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $290
- Private Transfer from Ilhabela Port to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $290
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Hotels to Ilhabela Port: $290
- Private Transfer: GRU Airport to Santos Port up to 15 People: $289
- Private Transfer from Guarujá to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $277
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $257
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $252
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $248
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Pedro-RoundTrip Transfer: $248
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $241
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $241
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
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Food Meals for one dayPunta del Este $51Sao Paulo $26
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $73
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $223
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Sao Paulo $4.11
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Best private Have It Your Way Tour in Punta Del Este.: $290
- Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour: $122
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- From Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day City Tour: $62
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $165
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- Jewish History Punta del Este Old Town Private Walking Tour: $150
- Montevideo: City Tour, Punta del Este, & Colonia Trip: $129
- Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick-Up: $88
- Museo Ralli Private Guided Tour in Punta del Este: $122
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
- 4 Hour Private City Tour in Sao Paulo: $163
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $128
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $119
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football: $175
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $155
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup: $175
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.41Sao Paulo $3.58
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
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Wine Tour in São Roque by Car, Tour with Local Guides: $181
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. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
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. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
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. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
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. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.
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. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta 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) |
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.