Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman 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.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?
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.
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesGrand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $60Grand Cayman $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $242. 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 Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $28Grand Cayman $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $56Grand Cayman $298
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.76Grand Cayman $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
- Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
- Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman 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 $24Grand Cayman $67
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $3.89Grand Cayman $41
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
- 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
- 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
- Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
- Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
- Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
- Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
- Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.38Grand Cayman $13
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
- Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Caymanin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Grand Cayman. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.