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 Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures 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 $64
    San Pedro de Atacama $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $64, while the average daily cost in San Pedro de Atacama is $74. 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 $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    San Pedro de Atacama $68
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 $6.09
    San Pedro de Atacama $9.81

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: $125
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $88
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $100
  • Transfers Main airports in Sao Paulo: $65
  • Transfer from GRU or CGH Airports to São Paulo City (vice-versa): $79
  • Transfer Viracopos Airport or Campinas City to airports in Sao Paulo: $145
  • Transfer São Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport (GRU): $49
  • Transfer Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Paulo City Center: $44
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $45
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $81
  • Sao Paulo to Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) - Private Transfer: $78
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $130

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: $224
  • Atacama Airport Private Transfer: $99
  • Puritama Hot Springs Experience with Transfer and Entrance: $90
  • Calama Airport Transfer to Atacama / Airport Lodging: $60
  • Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama includes transfer, photo, and cocktail.: $53
  • Puritama Hot Springs Transfer Tour: $45
  • Atacama Airport Shuttle Transfer: $44
  • Stargazing Experience with Transfer: $44
  • Shared Transfer to Calama Airport (CJC): $41
  • TRANSFER TO PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS: $40
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $40
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $40

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 $26
    San Pedro de Atacama $27

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: $74
  • 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
    $1.35
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Dinner
    $12
  • Drink
    $1.01
  • Empanada
    $5.62

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:

  • Local haute cuisine tasting menu dinner: $135
  • Private Dinner Under the Stars: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.11
    San Pedro de Atacama $22

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: $123
  • 4 Hour Private City Tour in Sao Paulo: $164
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $128
  • 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 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 Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup: $175
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $207

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
    $60

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:

  • "Astronomical Adventure in San Pedro de Atacama": $35
  • 2 Tours Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons: $120
  • 3 Days and 4 Tours in San Pedro de Atacama: $220
  • 3 Main Tours in San Pedo de Atacama: $181
  • 4 TOUR IN ATACAMA IN 3 DAYS: $230
  • 4 Tours in 3 Days in San Pedro de Atacama: $198
  • 5 Fantastic Tours in the Atacama Desert in 3 Days: $216
  • 6-hour tour to Valle del Arcoíris: $51
  • ASTRONOMICAL TOUR: $48
  • Adventure in Piedras Rojas: From Plains to Mountains: $90
  • Adventure in Piedras Rojas: From Plains to Mountains: $90
  • Adventure in Customize Your Experience: $1,100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.58
    San Pedro de Atacama $5.29

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: $36
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150

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
    $26

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:

  • Stargazing Tour with Photos and Wine Tasting: $41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and San Pedro de Atacama, we can see that San Pedro de Atacama is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Pedro de Atacama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro de Atacama 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 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.