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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Saint John's?

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 John's, 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 John's?

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 John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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 John's 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $272. 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 John's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Saint John's $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Saint John's? 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 Johns


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Saint John's $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
  • 3-Hours Eye-Opening Stingray City Antigua - Transfer R/T included: $133
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $123
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $109
  • Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour (with transfer): $99
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $84
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $77
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 John's $117

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 John's

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

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
  • Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Saint John's $103

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Island Flava Discovery Tour: $150
  • 6-Hours Tour East Coast of Antigua: Stingray City, Lunch & Beach: $185
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $143
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $221
  • Antigua Eco Island Tour (City, Country, Beach, & Heritage Sites): $199
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $172
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour: $170
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Saint John's $18

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


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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Saint John's?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?

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

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint John's in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Saint John's. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Saint John'sin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Saint John'sin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint John's in the Autumn?

Both Saint John's and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Saint John's in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Saint John'sin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint John's in the Winter?

Both Saint John's and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Saint John's. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint John's averages at about 24°C (76°F)in January.

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Saint John'sin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Saint John's in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Saint John's. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Saint John'sin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Saint John'sin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)