A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Isla de Ometepe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe, 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 Isla de Ometepe?

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.

Isla de Ometepe

Ometepe is a dramatically beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua. The island is the largest in the lake and is formed by two dramatic twin volcanoes that climb high from the water's surface. The two volcanoes are Concepcion and Maderas, and they are joined by an isthmus to make one island with an area of 276 square kilometers. The island is 31 kilometers long and between 5 and 10 kilometers wide. There are several small settlements on the island as well as a few coffee plantations. It is also one of the top sights in the country and makes for a unique travel destination.

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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Sao Paulo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $34. 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 Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Isla de Ometepe

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe? 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.

Hotels in Sao Paulo


Hotels in Isla de Ometepe


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.90
    Isla de Ometepe $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City - Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $22
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Guarulhos International Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Liberdade to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Barra Funda to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Centro to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe?

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sao Paulo $15
    Isla de Ometepe $13

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:

  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
  • Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour: $85
  • 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
  • São Paulo: Palmeiras Game Experience with Local: $95
  • Bike Tour: The Coolest Urban Scenes of Sao Paulo: $99
  • Bike Tour Of São Paulo Historical Downtown : $99
  • Walking Tour along Paulista Avenue – The most Famous Avenue in Brazil: $100
  • Beaches Tour: Santos, São Vicente and Guaruja from São Paulo: $110
  • Half-Day City Private Tour of São Paulo from GRU airport or any hotel : $116

Tours and Activities in Isla de Ometepe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla de Ometepe are as follows:

  • A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE.: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Isla de Ometepe is in Central 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 Isla de Ometepe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla de Ometepe 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Isla de Ometepe.

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 Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Isla de Ometepe experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Isla de Ometepein July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepein October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Isla de Ometepein October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Isla de Ometepe. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Isla de Ometepe in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Isla de Ometepein January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepein April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Isla de Ometepe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)