Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
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 G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $114
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $76
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $138
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos <> GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $130
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
- Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $88
- Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $15Guayaquil $29
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 Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Guayaquil $21
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 Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Tour Guayaquil: $40
- City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
- Cocoa and Gastronomy Tour at Hacienda CacaoyMango: $155
- Dolphin Watching Experience in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil: $165
- Exclusive private luxury cocoa experience: $187
- From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $159
- From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
- Full Day Ayangue Tour with Snorkeling in The Pelado's Islote: $295
- Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
- Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $263
- Full day private tour Mangroves, dolphins and birds from guayaquil : $215
- Full day tour Mangroves, dolphins and cocoa farm from guayaquil: $225
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Guayaquil $17
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55
- Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Guayaquil?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Guayaquil experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
Guayaquil 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 more rain than Guayaquilin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.