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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Pedro de Atacama?

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 Pedro de Atacama, 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 Pedro de Atacama?

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 Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to northern Chile. It is a good jumping off point for exploring the area's impressive landscape, most of which is included in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is popular with both Chilean and international tourists, and because of its popularity, it is a relatively expensive destination, with many prices comparable to what you might pay in Santiago.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, San Pedro de Atacama 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.

  • Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
    San Pedro de Atacama Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sao Paulo $63
    San Pedro de Atacama $71

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $63, while the average daily cost in San Pedro de Atacama 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 Pedro de Atacama in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    San Pedro de Atacama $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    San Pedro de Atacama $66
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Pedro de Atacama

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Pedro de Atacama? 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 Pedro de Atacama


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 Pedro de Atacama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $6.00
    San Pedro de Atacama $9.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $122
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $86
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $173
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $86
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $100
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $100
  • Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $38
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $241
  • Transfer Viracopos Airport or Campinas City to airports in Sao Paulo: $144
  • Transfer VCP airport Viracopos GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $131
  • Transfer São Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport (GRU): $48
  • Transfer Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Paulo City Center: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro de Atacama

Also for San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 3 Perfect Days in Atacama + Airport Transfer: $280
  • Private Transfer to Calama Airport (CJC): $101
  • Atacama Airport Private Transfer: $99
  • Tatio Geysers W/Breakfast & Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. without waiting: $89
  • Calama Airport Transfer to Atacama / Airport Lodging: $67
  • Astronomy tour in San Pedro de Atacama includes transfer, photo, and cocktail: $59
  • TRANSFER TO PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS: $55
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $45
  • Shared Transfer to Calama Airport (CJC): $41
  • San Pedro de Atacama : Transfer to Termas de Puritama: $39
  • Puritama Hot Springs Transfer Tour: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Pedro de Atacama?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro de Atacama 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 $25
    San Pedro de Atacama $25

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: $72
  • Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
  • 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
  • São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95

Typical Food Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Empanadas
    $1.29
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Dinner
    $11
  • Drink
    $0.97
  • Empanada
    $5.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Dinner Under the Stars: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    San Pedro de Atacama $21

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • 10-hour beach tour Santos: Shared Full-Day with Tickets & Lunch: $189
  • 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $123
  • 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $180
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $119
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football: $175
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $155
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
  • 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
  • 6H São Paulo Essential Private Tour and Gastronomic Experience: $185

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for San Pedro de Atacama's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Sand Boarding
    $57

Tours and Activities in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Tours Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons: $120
  • 2-Days private tour from Chile to Uyuni Salt Flats: $1,255
  • 3 Main Tours in San Pedo de Atacama: $180
  • 3 Shared Tours in San Pedro de Atacama: $260
  • 4 TOUR IN ATACAMA IN 3 DAYS: $230
  • 4 Tours in 3 Days in San Pedro de Atacama: $220
  • 4 Tours to Discover Atacama (3 days): $249
  • 5 Fantastic Tours in the Atacama Desert in 3 Days: $240
  • ASTRONOMICAL TOUR: $48
  • Adventure in Piedras Rojas: From Plains to Mountains: $90
  • Adventure in Red Stones and One Day Altiplane Lagunas: $200
  • Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.53
    San Pedro de Atacama $5.07

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 Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
  • São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in San Pedro de Atacama:


  • Alcohol
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in San Pedro de Atacama

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Pedro de Atacama:

  • “Drunken Llama Sightseeing Tour” Wine Tasting and Visit with Llama: $355


When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and San Pedro de Atacama, we can see that San Pedro de Atacama is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Pedro de Atacama Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Pedro de Atacama?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 5010 times larger than the population of San Pedro de Atacama. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Pedro de Atacama, 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.