Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $125
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $122
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $143
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $15Mazatlan $34
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 Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Mazatlan $9.59
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 Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Mazatlan $18
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 Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Mazatlan?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Mazatlan. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Mazatlanin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Mazatlan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlanin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.