Which place is cheaper, Curitiba or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Curitiba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Curitiba, 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 Curitiba?
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.
Curitiba
Curitiba is a relatively large city that is convenient to visit if you're traveling to Iguazu Falls from either Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. It is worth a day or two stop over because it has a great old city that has been restored. It's also the capital of Parana, Brazil. Curitiba is one of the more wealthy cities in the southern region of Brazil. It has a diverse population with many immigrants and some interesting cultural events.
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 $52Curitiba $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Curitiba is $73. 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 Curitiba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Curitiba $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Curitiba $60
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Curitiba
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Curitiba? 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 Curitiba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Curitiba $16
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: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $230
- 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: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $166
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $166
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Curitiba
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Curitiba:
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Taxi Ride$1.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Curitiba
Also for Curitiba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Curitiba Airport PrivateTransfers Round Trip or One Way: $110
- Private Transfer from Curitiba Airport: $106
- Afonso Pena Airport (CWB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Porto Belo Port : $75
- Private Transfer from Curitiba City Hotels to Porto Belo Port: $75
- Shared transfer between Curitiba Airport and Hotels: $74
- Afonso Pena Airport CWB to Beach Resorts : Arrival Transfer: $43
- Shared Transfer: Curitiba International Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Curitiba City to Curitiba Airport (CWB): $35
- Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Downtown - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Curitiba to Afonso Pena Airport (CWB)- Departure Private Transfer: $17
- Curitiba to Curitiba Airport (CWB) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Curitiba?
Prices for flights to both Curitiba 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 $15Curitiba $28
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 Curitiba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Curitiba:
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Chips$0.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Curitiba
For Curitiba, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bar-hopping and Food Tour in Curitiba: $31
- Curitiba's History Food Tour: $70
- Curitiba's History Food Tour: $77
- Curitiba Tour by Night with Dinner: $94
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Curitiba $19
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: $151
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $109
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 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
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $251
Tours and Activities in Curitiba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Curitiba.
- Full Day Tour to Vila Velha and Buraco do Padre: $158
- 2-Day Rafting and Rappelling Adventure in Tibagi: $191
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Curitiba City: $70
- Arte Bike Tour - Bike Tour with Kuritbike: $25
- CRAFT BREWERS TOUR By Jens Tours: $72
- Complete Tour to Ilha do Mel: $149
- Curitiba City Tour: $58
- A complete city tour: $106
- A private city tour: $71
- Tour in Barigui Park: $122
- Walking tour from past to present: $12
- Full-day tour in Curitiba: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Curitiba $14
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: $97
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $181
Typical Alcohol Prices in Curitiba
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Curitiba:
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Beer$0.44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Curitiba, we can see that Curitiba 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 Curitiba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Curitiba 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 Curitiba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Curitiba?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Curitiba. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Curitiba, 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.