Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Buzios?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Buzios, 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 Buzios?
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.
Buzios
Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Buzios $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $77. 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 Buzios in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Buzios $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Buzios $74
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Buzios
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Buzios? 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Buzios $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Campinas International Airport (VCP) to Santos Port: $300
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios
Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer Arraial do Cabo to GIG or SDU Airport by Sedan Car: $241
- Departure Transfer from Buzios or to Rio Airports by Minivan: $219
- Private transfer from Buzios to the GIG Airport : $186
- Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport : $186
- Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio : $170
- Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $110
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $106
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $97
- Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Buzios?
Prices for flights to both Buzios 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
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Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15Buzios $24
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.Sao Paulo $4.05Buzios $27
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $147
- 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): $147
- 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: $88
- 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
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $245
Tours and Activities in Buzios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.
- Buzios Trolley City Tour: $29
- 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $33
- 7 Beaches In Búzios With Photos On A Private Tour!: $34
- Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Arraial do Cabo: $128
- Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Búzios: $99
- Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Cabo Frio: $116
- Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $23
- Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo Panoramic City Tour in Cabo Frio: $96
- Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch: $60
- Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $16
- Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens: $31
- Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios with Lunch: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Buzios $17
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: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Buzios, we can see that Buzios 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 Buzios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buzios 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 Buzios Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Buzios?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Buzios, 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.
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.