Which place is cheaper, Foz do Iguacu or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu, 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 Foz do Iguacu?
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.
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 $52Foz do Iguacu $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Foz do Iguacu is $66. 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 Foz do Iguacu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Foz do Iguacu $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Foz do Iguacu $58
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Foz do Iguacu
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu? 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 Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Foz do Iguacu $13
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
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $124
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $124
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $121
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $142
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Private Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu from the Airport: $161
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $140
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $50
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $7.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu?
Prices for flights to both Foz do Iguacu 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 $15Foz do Iguacu $22
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $113
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Foz do Iguacu $24
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
- Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour (2,5hr Food included): $53
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $53
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Day Tour to Two Sides of the Iguassu Falls : $140
- 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $170
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $232
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $113
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $132
- Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
- Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $102
- Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $229
- Bird Park Tour: $25
- Brazilian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Macuco Safari - All Tickets Included: $216
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Foz do Iguacu $12
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 Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Foz do Iguacu, we can see that Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Foz do Iguacu, 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 Foz do Iguacu?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Foz do Iguacu.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Foz do Iguacu. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu in the Autumn?
Both Foz do Iguacu and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu in the Winter?
Both Foz do Iguacu and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Foz do Iguacu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Foz do Iguacu averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Foz do Iguacu. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Foz do Iguacu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Foz do Iguacu.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Foz do Iguacu. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Foz do Iguacu fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Foz do Iguacu. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Foz do Iguacu receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Foz do Iguacu and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Foz do Iguacu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
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.