Which place is cheaper, Cali or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Cali?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Cali, 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 Cali?
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.
Cali
Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesCali Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $63Cali $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $63, while the average daily cost in Cali is $37. 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 Cali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Cali $7.15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Cali $14
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Cali
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Cali? 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 and Cali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $6.00Cali $6.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $122
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $86
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $173
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $86
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $100
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $100
- Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $38
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $241
- Transfer Viracopos Airport or Campinas City to airports in Sao Paulo: $144
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $131
- Transfer São Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport (GRU): $48
- Transfer Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Paulo City Center: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali
Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $183
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $174
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minivan: $174
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
- Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by car: $131
- Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $91
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $45
- Transfer Airport Private- Hotels North: $36
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Cali?
Prices for flights to both Cali 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 $25Cali $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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $72
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali
For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour: $23
- Street Food Tour Cali Authentic Flavors and Street Art: $29
- Traditional Colombian Cooking Class in Cali: $71
- Food Tour San Antonio: $75
- Discover Pacific Flavors Cali Cooking Class and Market Tour: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Cali $13
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- 10-hour beach tour Santos: Shared Full-Day with Tickets & Lunch: $189
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $123
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $180
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $119
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football: $175
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $155
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
- 6H São Paulo Essential Private Tour and Gastronomic Experience: $185
Tours and Activities in Cali
For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
- Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $179
- Cali Birdwatching and Botany Tour at KM18: $149
- Cali City Tour: $224
- Cali City Tour Safe, Comfortable and Authentic Culture: $89
- Cali Day Tour to San Cipriano. Rivers, witches and waterfalls: $140
- Cali River Waterfall Tour (4 hours): $64
- Cali private city tour: $120
- City Tour | Guided tour around the city: $99
- Coffee Tour - Discover the secrets of 100% Colombian coffee: $245
- Walking tour of the historic center: $75
- Chef’s Garden Experience at Andoke Butterfly Center: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.53Cali $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59
Sample the Local Flavors in Cali
Also in Cali, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cali, Colombia: $28
- Salsa Friday in Calle del Sabor + Bar Crawl in Cali: $32
- Paragliding + Wine tasting + Hacienda El Paraiso + Saint Helena: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Cali, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Cali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cali 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Cali.
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 Cali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Cali?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cali. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Cali, 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.