A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Jaco for Nightlife, Food, Backpackers, and Families

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.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Jaco travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo. Although Sao Paulo and Jaco are popular destinations, Sao Paulo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Sao Paulo different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Sao Paulo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

Is the Food Better in Sao Paulo or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sao Paulo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Sao Paulo and Jaco.

People head to Sao Paulo just to party. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

The nightlife in Jaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Jaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Jaco has a beach worth visiting. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Families?

Sao Paulo and Jaco are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Jaco is a family-friendly place to visit. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Couples?

Sao Paulo and Jaco are both nice to visit as a couple.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Jaco is not popular with students.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sao Paulo can get you around easily. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Sao Paulo or Jaco a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Jaco are superb when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

Jaco is very walkable. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Sao Paulo or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Jaco due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

Couples should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sao Paulo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jaco than Sao Paulo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jaco.

One day in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

Sao Paulo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Jaco. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

Sao Paulo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the popular destination of Jaco. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular town of Jaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sao Paulo or Jaco?

The vibrant city of Sao Paulo offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Jaco is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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. The summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. 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. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Jaco. 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 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. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season. Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

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. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Jaco in the Spring?

Both Jaco 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 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. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo. November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Sao Paulo