Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Manaus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Manaus, 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 Manaus?
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.
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Manaus $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $59. 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Manaus $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Manaus
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Manaus? 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 Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Manaus $7.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $111
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $79
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $135
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $63
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $35
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Sao Paulo Airport Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $121
- Sao Paulo Airport GRU to Beach Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24-hour private group transfer service airport -> hotel: $95
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $34
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Manaus?
Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 $15Manaus $12
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 Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Manaus -
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $147
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $125
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $147
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $88
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $245
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jewish Tour in Manaus in the Amazon from 4 to 5 hours: $147
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon Waterfalls Tour: $70
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Manaus $2.84
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
When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Manaus, we can see that Manaus 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 Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Manaus?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Manaus. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Manaus in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Manaus.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Manaus. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Manaus 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 less rain than Manaus. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Manaus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Manaus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Manaus.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Manaus. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Manaus. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Manaus in the Winter?
Both Manaus and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Manaus. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Manaus in the Spring?
Both Manaus and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Manaus. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Manaus. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Manaus 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manaus and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Manaus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.