A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Chicago, 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.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Chicago offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See Chicago travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chicago than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than Chicago, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chicago is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Sao Paulo different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Sao Paulo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Chicago and Sao Paulo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Sao Paulo is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Sao Paulo is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Sao Paulo or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both Sao Paulo and Chicago.

People head to Sao Paulo just to party. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sao Paulo and Chicago both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago More Beautiful?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chicago offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Couples?

Sao Paulo and Chicago are both nice to visit as a couple.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sao Paulo and Chicago are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sao Paulo. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Chicago is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo and Chicago both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sao Paulo can get you around easily. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Visitors in Chicago can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Sao Paulo or Chicago a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Chicago are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

In either Sao Paulo or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Sao Paulo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Sao Paulo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Sao Paulo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.

One day in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Chicago. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Because Sao Paulo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sao Paulo has to offer.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cosmopolitan big city of Chicago. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the edgey city of Chicago. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sao Paulo or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sao Paulo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Chicago, 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.

When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Chicago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Chicago has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Chicago. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C)in July.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Chicagoin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the autumn, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C)in October.

In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Chicagoin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. In July, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Chicagoin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Chicagoin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Chicago. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Sao Paulo is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C)in April.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Chicagoin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Sao Paulo