Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $53San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.96San Diego $24
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 Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- 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
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $15San Diego $45
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.08San Diego $48
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: $125
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 hr. Downtown and Balboa Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
- 2Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Old Town: $82
- 3 Hours Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San Diego: $139
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.55San Diego $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:
- 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: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego is in North America, 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Diego?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally a little warmer than San Diegoin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than San Diegoin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Sao Paulo is a little warmer than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C)in October.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in April than San Diegoin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Diego. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C)in January.
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Diegoin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Diego. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally a little warmer than San Diegoin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than San Diegoin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.