Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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 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 Manaus, 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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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $60Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 $28Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $56Guayaquil $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 $5.76Guayaquil $15
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
- 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
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
- Private Transfer from São Bernardo do Campo to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $83
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 $24Guayaquil $50
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 $3.89Guayaquil $21
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
- Beaches Tour: Santos, São Vicente and Guaruja from São Paulo: $112
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From 2-Day Cloud Forest Lodging Experience: $1,100
- From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $159
- Guayaquil City Tour - 3 Hours Tour: $145
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Santa Ana: $70
- Biking waterfalls route Full-Day tour: $199
- Cacao Farm Tour with Chocolate Making and Lunch: $199
- City Highlights Tour with Cable Car Ride: $58
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
- Cloud Forest, Hiking & Canyoning Full Day Tour: $179
- Epic Cacao Farm & City Tour Experience: $220
- Exciting Half-Day Tour by Car: $1,175
- Personalized City Tour with Guide: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.38Guayaquil $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:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
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. The summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. 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. 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)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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. 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. 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)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. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. 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)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. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city. 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. 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)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.