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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Rosario?

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

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

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.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $54, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $9.19. 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 Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $31
    Rosario $3.16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $62
    Rosario $6.32
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Rosario? 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 Rosario


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 Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $6.04
    Rosario $2.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $236
  • 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
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $182
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $182
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
  • Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $169
  • Private Transfer from Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $169

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario 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
    Rosario $3.90

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.14
    Rosario $3.13

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: $154
  • 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
  • 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $109
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $154
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $93
  • 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): $257
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.60
    Rosario $1.79

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: $100
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Rosario, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Rosario.

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 Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Rosario?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rosario. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Rosario, 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.