Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sao Paulo or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
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 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Valdivia $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Valdivia $8.08
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: $299
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $232
- 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
- 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 Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Centre Hotels to Santos Port: $166
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $166
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $142
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 daySao Paulo $15Valdivia $21
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Valdivia $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 Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $182
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Valdivia $4.79
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
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $176
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Valdivia?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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 Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Valdivia in the Autumn?
Both Valdivia and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Valdivia.
Sao Paulo is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Valdivia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Valdivia.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.