A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Veracruz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Veracruz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Veracruz, 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 Veracruz?

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.

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Veracruz 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Veracruz is $143. 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 Veracruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Veracruz $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Veracruz $98
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Veracruz

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Veracruz? 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 Veracruz


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 Veracruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Veracruz $26

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 Veracruz

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

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Veracruz?

Prices for flights to both Veracruz 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 $24
    Veracruz $78

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Veracruz $13

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 Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $127
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full-Day Tour to El Tajin and Vanilla Factory from Veracruz: $138
  • Jalcomulco Rapids Adventure from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Veracruz $16

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Veracruz, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Veracruz is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Veracruz?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Veracruz, 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 Veracruz?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Veracruz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Veracruz in the Summer?

Both Veracruz and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Veracruzin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Veracruzin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Veracruz in the Autumn?

Both Veracruz and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Veracruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Veracruzin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Veracruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Veracruz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Veracruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Veracruz averages at about 21°C (71°F)in January.

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Veracruzin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Veracruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Veracruz. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Veracruzin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Veracruzin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Veracruz and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Veracruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)