Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $53Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.96Ottawa $7.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $80
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $77
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $139
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- 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: $176
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $66
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $15Ottawa $17
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 Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.08Ottawa $40
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
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.69
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $151
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.55Ottawa $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:
- 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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Ottawa?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Ottawa.
Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in July.
Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Ottawain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Ottawa.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F)in October.
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Ottawain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In July, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Ottawain January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Ottawain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit.
Sao Paulo is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Ottawain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.