Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia 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 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 Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesUshuaia Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $60Ushuaia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $0.00. 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 $28Ushuaia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $56Ushuaia $0.00
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 $5.76Ushuaia -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
- Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
- Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antarctic Experience W/Snowmobile Ride & Transfer: $242
- National Park, Train and Navigation. Airport transfer included: $204
- Ushuaia:Trekking Glaciar & Ice Caves W/Lunch and Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $160
- Complete Husky Experience + Buoy Park with Transfer: $124
- Ushuaia Guided Visit to the National Park with Transfer: $120
- Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers: $116
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $112
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $67
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $62
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $62
- Husky Trekking with Transfer: $62
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 $24Ushuaia -
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:
- Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Adventure and Snow Moto + Buffet Lunch or Pizza Rodizio + Transfer: $96
- Beaver Sighting with Dinner off Lake Fagnano: $170
- Ushuaia City Tour: Vespertine Tour with Dinner: $189
- Snowmobile + Snowshoeing + Huskies + Skiing + Lunch or Pizza Buffet: $195
- Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
- Discovering Lakes Escondido and Fagnano with sunset dinner: $210
- Puerto Almanza and Punta Paraná Tour with Dinner: $210
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: vespertine tour with dinner: $210
- Snow and Fire with Dinner in Firepit, Sledge Ride and Snowmobile: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $3.89Ushuaia -
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- 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 : $134
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $200
- 4W4 Adventure in Lagos Full Day with Roast : $170
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $167
- 4x4 Adventure at Lago Fagnano from Ushuaia: $236
- 4x4 Lake Fagnano Adventure from Ushuaia: $218
- 5-Hour National Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $205
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $150
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $115
- Adventure in the Lakes Fueguinos quadricycles and Patagonian lamb: $238
- Adventure through Lagos 4X4 in Ushuaia: $162
- Albino's Eye Glacier Full-Day Trekking Tour from Ushuaia: $286
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.38Ushuaia -
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
Sample the Local Flavors in Ushuaia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ushuaia:
- Photo tour and Wine Tasting in Ushuaia City: $115
- City tour and Wine tasting: $115
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. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
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. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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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. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
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. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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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. The winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
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. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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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. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
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. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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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.