Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?
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.
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $53Honolulu $284
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Honolulu $183
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Honolulu
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Honolulu? 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 Honolulu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.96Honolulu $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- 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: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
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Airport Shuttle for Two$30
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Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Honolulu HNL Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $272
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu International Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $271
- Arrival Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by SUV: $211
- VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
- Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $181
- Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
- Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki : $164
- HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $157
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by SUV: $148
- Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(up to 14ppl): $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Honolulu?
Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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 $15Honolulu $53
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 Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
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Dinner for Two$73
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Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
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Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
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Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
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Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
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Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
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Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
- Oahu Da Local's Food Tour: $150
- Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
- Brewery and Local Food Tour: $480
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.08Honolulu $40
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $125
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Parking for Hike$5.00
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Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
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2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
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1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
- 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
- 3 Hour Sightseeing *SPECIALTY Tour: $149
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
- 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
- 3-Hour Adventure in Waikiki Water Park Adventure: $127
- 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure: $99,999
- 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
- 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
- 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $133
- 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.55Honolulu $6.47
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: $54
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu 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 Honolulu is in North America, 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Honolulu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Honolulu?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Honolulu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Summer?
Both Honolulu and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C)in July.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Honoluluin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Honolulu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Autumn?
Both Honolulu and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Honoluluin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Honoluluin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Honolulu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Honolulu. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C)in January.
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Honoluluin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Honolulu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Honolulu. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Honoluluin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Honolulu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Honolulu and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Honolulu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
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.