A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo. Although Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo are popular destinations, Sao Paulo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Surfers Paradise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Is the Food Better in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Sao Paulo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Sao Paulo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Surfers Paradise is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sao Paulo can take you anywhere. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Sao Paulo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Surfers Paradise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Sao Paulo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Surfers Paradise that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Sao Paulo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Surfers Paradise. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Sao Paulo because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ritzy destination of Surfers Paradise. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Sao Paulo because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active city of Surfers Paradise. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Sao Paulo is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surfers Paradise is in Pacific and Sao Paulo is in South 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 540 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo, 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 Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo?

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 Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sao Paulo. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Sao Paulo. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Sao Paulo. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Surfers Paradise is generally cooler than Sao Paulo. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Sao Paulo. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Sao Paulo. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Surfers Paradise