Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $15Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Playa del Carmen $17
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 Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Playa del Carmen $21
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 Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmenin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In July, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Playa del Carmenin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Carmenin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen 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)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Playa del Carmen. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.