Which place is cheaper, Washington or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $53Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $53, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.96Washington $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $235
- 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
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
- Private Transfer from VCP Airport or Campinas to GRU Airport (1 a 15 pessoas): $195
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $181
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Campinas-Viracopos (VCP) Airport to Sao Paulo Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $168
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Private Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) transfer Round trip: $300
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
- Private Transfer To or Form Lorton and Dulles International Airport: $228
- Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $218
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Private transfer Service to or from Washington, DC and IAD: $208
- Private Transfer to or from Springfield VA and Dulles Airport: $208
- Private transfer to or form Arlington and Dulles International Airport: $200
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Private transfer to or from Vienna and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $195
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $15Washington $38
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.08Washington $24
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: $125
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 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: $91
- 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
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $155
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
- 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise: $169
- A 9D Salt Cave Experience: $95
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.55Washington $19
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: $54
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Washington?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C)in July.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Washingtonin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally a little warmer than Washingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Washingtonin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Washington in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Washington. Furthermore, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. Sao Paulo is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C)in January.
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Washingtonin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Washington in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Washington. Additionally, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Washingtonin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.