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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Castro?

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

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

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.

Castro

The capital of Chiloe, modern and dynamic, has succeeded in keeping its authenticity even though it now has many gigantic supermarkets, hotels and other touristic infrastructures. It is located on the island's eastern coast, halfway between Ancud in the north and Quellon in the south, and is a convenient base for exploring the stunning sites in the region of Chiloe Island. The tourist information is located on the town square in front of the church.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Castro 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Castro is $114. 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 Castro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Castro $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Castro $74
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Castro

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Castro? 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 Castro


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 Castro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Castro $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Castro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Castro:

  • Castro Airport Private Transfer in Chiloe: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Castro?

Prices for flights to both Castro 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 $24
    Castro $62

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:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Castro $21

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Tours and Activities in Castro

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

  • Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour: $106
  • Castro Sightseeing Tour in Chiloe: $58
  • Chiloé: UNESCO Wooden Churches Full-Day Tour: $176
  • Coastal Nature Adventure in Chiloe: $102
  • Dalcahue and Quinchao Island Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $141
  • Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloe Private Tour: $202
  • Lemuy Island Tour from Castro: $178
  • Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour: $185
  • Pier of Light Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Castro $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:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Castro, we can see that Castro 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 Castro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Castro 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 Castro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Castro?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Castro. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Castro, 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.