Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Jaco, 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 Jaco?
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.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Jaco? 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 Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- 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: $137
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Sao Paulo Airport Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $122
- Sao Paulo Airport GRU to Beach Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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 $15Jaco $21
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 Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Jaco $60
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: $150
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Jaco $32
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
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 Jaco 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 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Jaco?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 2450 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Jaco, 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 Jaco?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
Jaco 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 Jacoin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Jacoin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Jacoin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Jacoin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Spring?
Both Jaco and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Jacoin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.