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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Cordoba?

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

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

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba 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 Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.90
    Cordoba $2.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $233
  • 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
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $169
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $167
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $167
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Centre Hotels to Santos Port: $167

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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
    Cordoba $3.83

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

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    Cordoba $1.88

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: $150
  • 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
  • 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: $90
  • 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
  • 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
  • Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
  • Cumbrecita Tour: $88
  • El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    Cordoba $1.48

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Cordoba, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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 Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Cordoba?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally a little warmer than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cordoba. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Cordoba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Cordoba.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Cordoba.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Cordoba. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)