Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Campinas International Airport (VCP) to Santos Port: $300
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- 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
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $15Punta Arenas $21
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 Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $147
- 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): $147
- 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: $88
- 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
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $245
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Punta Arenas $4.86
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: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Punta Arenas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Sao Paulo is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Punta Arenas.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In July, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Punta Arenas. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Punta Arenas.
Sao Paulo is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.