Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Sao Paulo?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $53. 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 Tokyo and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77Sao Paulo $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Sao Paulo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Sao Paulo $5.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Tokyo and Hakuba or Nozawa: $1,177
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $843
- Private Transfers between Tokyo and Snow Monkey Park: $822
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $732
- Haneda airport to/from Naeba city Private Transfer: $673
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Haneda airport to/from Karuizawa Town Private Transfer: $588
- 10-hour Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $562
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nikko: $536
- Narita Airport: Private one way transfer by Luxury car/Van: $497
- Haneda Airport to/from Kamakura City Private Transfer: $497
- Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $471
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $37Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.23
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
-
Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Japanese Home Cooking Class near Tokyo Disneyland: $66
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $67
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.Tokyo $69Sao Paulo $4.08
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $100
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $100
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- Tokyo Full Day Tour With Guide and Foods Included: $275
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $137
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $136
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $500
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $490
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $147
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33Sao Paulo $3.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $80
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $137
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $233
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Sao Paulo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Sao Paulo?
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 Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tokyo is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTokyo 26°C (78°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Tokyo is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTokyo 18°C (64°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Sao Paulo. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In January, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTokyo 5°C (42°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Sao Paulo. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Tokyo is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTokyo 14°C (58°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.