Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Liberia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Liberia, 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 Liberia?
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.
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Liberia $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Liberia $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Liberia
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Liberia? 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 Liberia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Liberia $43
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Transfer Dreams Las Mareas from Airports ROUND TRIP: $300
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Santa Teresa: $300
- Punta Islita Hotel to/from Liberia Airport - Shuttle & Transfers Service: $279
- Liberia Airport (LIR)to Malpais / Montezuma - Raund-Trip Transfer: $272
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $250
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $245
- One-Way Private Transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal): $241
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica: $240
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Arenal / La Fortuna : $232
- Transfers Tamarindo Diria or Occidental Tamarindo, Round Trip.: $230
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas - Costa Rica: $215
- Private Transfer Ato Lir - JW Marriott Standar: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Liberia?
Prices for flights to both Liberia 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 $15Liberia $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 Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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Ginger Ale$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
- Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Liberia $25
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 Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
- Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
- Mega Combo Adventure: $195
- Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
- (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
- 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
- 2 In 1 Jet Sky & Buggy Private Tour: $300
- 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
- 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $130
- 4 Tours in 1 Action Package - Playa del Coco area: $170
- 5 in 1 sloth, Rainforest, waterfalls, hanging bridges, volcanic activity tour.: $285
- 6 Hours Guanacaste Cultural and Local Farm Experience: $77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Liberia $13
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 Liberia, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Liberia?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Liberia, 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 Liberia?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Liberia in the Summer?
Both Liberia and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is cooler than Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
Liberia 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 around the same amount of rain in January as Liberiain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Liberia 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Liberia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Liberia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Liberiain October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Liberia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Liberiain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Liberia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Liberia. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Liberiain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Liberia in the Spring?
Both Liberia and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Liberiain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Liberia 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Liberia and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Liberia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.