Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $64Punta Arenas $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $64, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $84. 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 $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Punta Arenas $68
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 $6.09Punta Arenas $1.93
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 Ilhabela Port to Sao Paulo City Hotels: $292
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Hotels to Ilhabela Port: $292
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $292
- Guarulhos Airport to Poços de Caldas Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $283
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $254
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Pedro-RoundTrip Transfer: $250
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $249
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Santos hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $242
- Private Transfer from Ubatuba Port to Sao Paulo Int Airport (GRU): $227
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Int Airport (GRU) to Ubatuba Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Ubatuba Port to Sao Paulo City Hotels: $227
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Hotels: $57
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $57
- Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $41
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $36
- Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $34
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $34
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas: $30
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 $26Punta Arenas $39
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $74
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
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$1.12
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Arenas
For Punta Arenas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Punta Arenas : Chilean cooking class. Relax and learn!: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.11Punta Arenas $6.91
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: $123
- 4 Hour Private City Tour in Sao Paulo: $164
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $128
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $119
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football: $175
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup: $175
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $207
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
- Cruises Shore Excursions : Highlights + Fort Bulnes: $185
- For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $160
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $163
- King Penguin and Tierra del Fuego Full Day Tour: $240
- Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.58Punta Arenas $5.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $36
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
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$7.87
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. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
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. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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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. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
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. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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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. The winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
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. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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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. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
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. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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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.