A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Portland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Portland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Portland, 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 Portland?

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.

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland or Sao Paulo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Portland is $180. 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Portland? 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.

Hotels in Sao Paulo


Hotels in Portland


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 Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.96
    Portland $28

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 Portland

Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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 day
    Sao Paulo $15
    Portland $43

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 Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
  • Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Food Tour: $102
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
  • The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
  • The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
  • Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.08
    Portland $24

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 Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
  • 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
  • 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
  • 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
  • Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
  • Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $85
  • Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
  • Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
  • Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
  • All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
  • Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.55
    Portland $17

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 Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
  • Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
  • Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
  • Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
  • Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
  • From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Portland?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Portland. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C)in July.

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Portlandin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Portland. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Portlandin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Portlandin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Sao Paulo is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Portlandin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C)in April.

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Portlandin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)