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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Fernando?

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 Fernando, 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 Fernando?

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 Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, San Fernando or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in San Fernando is $153. 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 Fernando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    San Fernando $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    San Fernando $148
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Fernando

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Fernando? 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 San Fernando


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 $5.90
    San Fernando $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $233
  • 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: $194
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $169
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $167
  • Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $167
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Centre Hotels to Santos Port: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Fernando?

Prices for flights to both San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $48

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    San Fernando $28

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: $150
  • 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
  • 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: $90
  • 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): $156
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    San Fernando $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180


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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Fernando?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Fernando, 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 Fernando?

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

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Fernando in the Summer?

Both San Fernando and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as San Fernandoin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Fernandoin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Fernando in the Autumn?

Both San Fernando and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.

Sao Paulo is cooler than San Fernando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than San Fernandoin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Fernando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Fernando. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Fernandoin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Fernando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Fernando. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Fernandoin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than San Fernandoin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for San Fernando and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo San Fernando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)