Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Ushuaia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Ushuaia $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Ushuaia $5.64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Ushuaia -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Campinas International Airport (VCP) to Santos Port: $300
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- 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
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $179
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $28
- Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Ushuaia): $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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 $15Ushuaia $2.18
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
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Ushuaia $13
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: $147
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $125
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $147
- 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: $88
- 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
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $245
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $115
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Ushuaia -
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $95
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $177
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Ushuaia, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Ushuaia.
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 Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Ushuaia?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ushuaia in the Summer?
Both Ushuaia and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 10°C (50°F).
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
Both Ushuaia and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in April than Ushuaia. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ushuaia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Ushuaia.
It's quite cold in Ushuaia in the winter. Sao Paulo is much warmer than Ushuaia in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Ushuaia. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Ushuaia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Ushuaia.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Ushuaia. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.