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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Austin, 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: Sao Paulo or Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Sao Paulo and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Austin? 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 Sao Paulo


Hotels in Austin


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.96
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $63
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $125
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $77
  • Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $125
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $123
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $15
    Austin $35

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.08
    Austin $28

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
  • Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $455
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.55
    Austin $28

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Austin?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Austin, 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 Sao Paulo or Austin?

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 Austin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Austin. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C)in July.

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Austinin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Austinin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Austinin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sao Paulo is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C)in January.

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Austinin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Austin. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C)in April.

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austinin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)