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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Boquete?

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

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

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.

Boquete

Boquete is a village located in the pacific west of Panama. This town very recently became an attractive destination for tourists and expatriates. Before the early 2000's, it was a quiet town hidden away in the mountains with very little tourism. After the development of Valle Escondido, which is a largely residential area, many North Americans flocked to this town and an expat community developed. Boquete is known for it's near perfect year round temperature of about seventy degrees Fahrenheit, beautiful untouched nature, and world renowned coffee.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Boquete or Sao Paulo?

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 Boquete 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 Sao Paulo and Boquete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Boquete $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Boquete $46
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Boquete

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Boquete? 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 Boquete


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 Boquete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.90
    Boquete $5.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City - Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $22
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer Sao Paulo to and from Sao Paulo: $27
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Guarulhos International Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Barra Funda to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Centro to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Boquete?

Prices for flights to both Boquete 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
    Boquete $18

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    Boquete $17

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 Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
  • Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
  • Street Art and Parks Bike Tour: $80
  • Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Boquete

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boquete are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Mezcal and Geisha Liqueur Tasting Experience: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to La Estrella Lake from Boquete on E Bike: $84
  • 3-hour Private Tour to the Peque Doraz Butterfly Garden by Ebike: $90
  • Boquete Adventure - E-Bike Tour (2 hrs.) (2 Person Min.): $55
  • Boquete Panoramic Tour: $200
  • Boquete Private 360° View Tour: $40
  • Dirtbike adventure in Boquete (half day): $165
  • Guided Market Tour with Sensory Coffee Tasting Boquete: $48
  • Hiking Experience in Caldera Transportation Included: $90
  • Private honey tasting bike tour and butterfly garden walk: $130
  • Schumann's BOTANICAL PARK TOUR: $30
  • Self-Guided Half-Day Boquete Tour E-Bicycle: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    Boquete $4.46

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180


When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Boquete, we can see that Boquete 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. Even though Sao Paulo is in South America and Boquete is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Boquete Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Boquete?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1640 times larger than the population of Boquete. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Boquete, 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.