Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sao Paulo or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Montreal, 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 Montreal?
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.
Montreal
While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.
Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $53Montreal $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $210. 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 Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Montreal $132
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Montreal? 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 Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.96Montreal $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $223
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
- Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal 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
-
Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15Montreal $36
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 Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
-
Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee$9.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $59
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
- Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $130
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $207
- Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.08Montreal $21
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- 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): $151
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Botanical Gardens (family of 4)$54
Tours and Activities in Montreal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.
- 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
- 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $44
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
- 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
- 3Hr Montreal Architecture Bike Tour with regular or E-bikes Beer & wine included: $64
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.74
- All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
- Awesome Curling Experience : $82
- Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $211
- Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
- Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
- City tour; afternoon in Montreal: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.55Montreal $16
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: $54
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:
-
Vodka$18
Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Montreal 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Montreal?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montreal. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Montreal, 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 Montreal?
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 Montreal has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Montrealin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F)in October.
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Montrealin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Montreal.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In July, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Montrealin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Montrealin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Montreal.
Sao Paulo is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Montrealin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 99 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.