Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur 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.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?
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 del Sur, 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 del Sur?
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 del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesSan Juan del Sur Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $61San Juan del Sur $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $61, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $71. 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 del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $29San Juan del Sur $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $58San Juan del Sur $52
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur? 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 del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.89San Juan del Sur $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $144
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $168
- Airport and City Private Executive Transfer in São Paulo: $100
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $203
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $117
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $125
- Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $144
- Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $168
- Guarulhos Airport GRU to Águas de Lindoia Round Trip Transfer: $201
- Guarulhos Airport to Poços de Caldas Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $272
- Private Airport Transfer from GRU with an English Speaking Driver: $86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:
- Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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 $25San Juan del Sur $32
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $71
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- São Paulo: Liberdade Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Tonkatsu: $112
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $230
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan del Sur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Juan del Sur.
- ATV Adventure with Lunch and Dinner: $500
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $3.98San Juan del Sur $15
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.12
- São Paulo Ibirapuera Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.12
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $16
- Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Sao Paulo: $20
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour: $28
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $29
- Historical and Cultural Tour of the Center DE São Paulo: $34
- São Paulo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $40
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $41
- MASP Museum of Art of São Paulo (+ticket): $49
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $145
- ATV Adventure at Lake Nicaragua in San Juan del Sur: $75
- Catamaran Cruise by Jossi Tours: $220
- Horse Riding Adventure by Jossi Tours: $295
- Kayak and Paddle Boarding Adventure by Jossi Tours: $105
- La Flor Beach Natural Reserve Bus Tour by Jossi Tours: $250
- Masaya Volcano Tour in Nicaragua by Jossi Tours: $130
- Mombacho Volcano Adventure Tour by Jossi Tours: $235
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
- Private Tour to Granada Colonial City and 365 Islets: $274
- Private Wakeboarding Session in San Juan del Sur by Jossi Tours: $140
- Relaxed Coastal Boat Tour in San Juan del Sur by Jossi Tours: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.46San Juan del Sur $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in São Paulo: Open Bar + Free Appetizers at Bars: $31
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur, we can see that San Juan del Sur 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 del Sur is in Central 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 Juan del Sur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan del Sur 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 del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1290 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur, 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 del Sur?
Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Juan del Sur. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Surin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than San Juan del Surin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
Both San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than San Juan del Surin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur. The spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Juan del Surin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.