Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Sao Paulo?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, 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 dayReykjavik $246Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, 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 Reykjavik and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Sao Paulo $5.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavík: South Coast Guided Day Trip by Jeep with Transfer: $1,776
- Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,183
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
- From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $288
- Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos: $283
- Lava Tunnel Caving with Transfer | Small Group: $283
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $280
- Private transfer: Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport (KEF): $277
- Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik: $270
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
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 Reykjavik or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
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.Reykjavik $72Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E Scooter Adventure: $66
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $64
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $438
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure & Whale Watching from Reykjavik: $289
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $169
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
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 dayReykjavik $28Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
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 Reykjavik and Sao Paulo, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Reykjavik or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (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 JanuaryReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Sao Paulo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Reykjavik is much colder than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 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 AprilReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 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 JulyReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 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 OctoberReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.