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

Should you visit Vientiane or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane 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.

Where Should I go: Vientiane or Sao Paulo?

Vientiane

You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.

While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, 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 Vientiane and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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.

Hotels in Vientiane


Hotels in Sao Paulo


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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00

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 City - Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $22
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer Sao Paulo to and from Sao Paulo: $27
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $36
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Vientiane 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
    Vientiane $6.30
    Sao Paulo $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70

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.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Sao Paulo $4.08

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
  • Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
  • Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
  • Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
  • Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
  • Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
  • Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
  • Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Sao Paulo $3.55

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 Vientiane and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo than you might in Vientiane.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sao Paulo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Vientiane is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In April, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sao Pauloin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Vientiane

Vientiane Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)