Which place is cheaper, Banos or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Banos, 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.
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.
Banos (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador under volcano Tungurahua. Its name, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. It's equally popular with foreigners as with Ecuadorians, and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour agencies. Although it is very touristy, lots of people love it, more for the activities and surroundings than for the city itself. It is an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Banos is $46. 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 Banos in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Banos? 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.
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Banos 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.
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Banos:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
Here are a few typical costs in Banos for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Banos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Banos from other travelers:
When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Banos, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Banos Expensive?.
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1050 times larger than the population of Banos. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Banos, 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.