Which place is cheaper, Lima or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Lima $5.73
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: $31
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $36
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $43
- Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Guarulhos International Airport: $46
- Private Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport Transfer to or from Sao Paulo: $50
- Private Transfer from Liberdade to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $175
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $80
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $78
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $15Lima $18
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 Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Lima $8.66
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
- Casa do Povo: guided tour of Neo Química Arena: $11
- Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $34
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $34
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $39
- Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour (2,5hr Food included): $53
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $53
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
- São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Lima $5.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Lima?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Lima, 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 Lima?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally a little warmer than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Limain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Limain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.