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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix?

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

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

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.

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix 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.

  • Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sao Paulo $60
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $277. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix


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 Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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 $24
    Saint Croix $97

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:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
  • Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
  • Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
  • St Croix Island Tour: $118
  • St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
  • The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix

Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35


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



When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Saint Croixin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Saint Croixin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Saint Croix. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

Saint Croix receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Saint Croixin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Saint Croix. The winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Saint Croixin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint Croix in the Spring?

Both Saint Croix and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Saint Croixin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)