Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
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.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Montego Bay $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $203. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Montego Bay $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Montego Bay $208
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Montego Bay $15
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 Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Negril Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $213
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Jewel Resort Transfer: $192
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur : $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $15Montego Bay $84
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 Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Montego Bay $32
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Montego Bay $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Montego Bay?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Montego Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bayin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Montego Bay. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Montego Bay. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Montego Bayin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Montego Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Montego Bayin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.