Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan, 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Juan? 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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90San Juan $14
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52San Juan $12
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
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Juan?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than San Juanin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Juanin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than San Juanin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Juanin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than San Juanin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
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.