Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
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 Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30La Paz $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60La Paz $104
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90La Paz $22
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 One Way Airport Transfer Sao Paulo to and from Sao Paulo: $27
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private 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 Barra Funda to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Centro to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
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
-
Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15La Paz $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05La Paz $13
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
- 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
- Street Art and Parks Bike Tour: $80
- Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour: $85
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52La Paz $12
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or La Paz?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 60 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.
When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or La Paz?
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 La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than La Pazin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than La Pazin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and La Paz. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Sao Paulo is cooler than La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.
In April, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than La Pazin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as La Paz. Additionally, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than La Pazin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as La Pazin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than La Pazin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.