Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesLa Paz Prices
Bolivia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $64La Paz $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $64, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $57. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30La Paz $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $6.09La Paz $9.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $123
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $88
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $175
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $87
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $100
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $100
- Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $39
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $243
- Transfer Viracopos Airport or Campinas City to airports in Sao Paulo: $145
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $131
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $44
- Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City: $77
- Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City: $68
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City: $68
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City: $68
- Private Transfer from your Hotel to Airport in La Paz City: $54
- Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City By Van or Suv: $38
- Private Departure Transfer: La Paz Hotels to El Alto International Airport: $37
- Airport Transfer Out_day: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_day: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_night: $25
- Bus Station Transfer In_day: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $26La Paz $29
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $73
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $225
Typical Food Prices in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Fruit$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bolivian Cooking Class: $28
- Learn Bolivian Cuisine/Cooking Class: $40
- La Paz : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $77
- Real Street Food Tour La Paz: $100
- Sabor Clandestino Sensory Dinner Experience in La Paz: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.11La Paz $16
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: $123
- 4 Hour Private City Tour in Sao Paulo: $162
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $128
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $119
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $155
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup: $175
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $207
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
- Bike Tour to the Death Road: $125
- Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz: $22
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
- Ciudad de La Paz ( City Tours " 03 a 04 Hrs ): $99
- Copacabana & Isla del Sol. 2Days1Night. SPANISH GUIDE. PRIVATE TOUR. MIN 2 PPL: $174
- Cusco Bus Ticket from La Paz City 7:30 a.m.: $95
- Death Road Biking - DOUBLE SUSPENSION BIKE (SHARED TOUR): $108
- Death Road Biking Tour: $105
- Death Road Bolivia Biking Tour: $156
- Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour on the World's Most Dangerous Road: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.58La Paz $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and La Paz, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or La Paz?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and La Paz, 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.
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.