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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Sao Paulo?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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: Yogyakarta or Sao Paulo?

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, also called Yogya, Jogja, and Jogjakarta, is Java's hub of culture and art, and is the top-visited destination on the island. While Jakarta is the most populated and industrially-developed city in Indonesia, Yogya has managed to progress without losing its cultural charm, as illustrated in its well-kept traditional Indonesian architecture.

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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Yogyakarta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $58, 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 Yogyakarta and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $37
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $74
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.34
    Sao Paulo $5.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Wanurejo: $169
  • Private Transfer from Kembanglimus to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $169
  • Private Transfer from Wanurejo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $169
  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Layover Tour w/ Entry Tickets & Airport Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Donoharjo: $93
  • Private Transfer from Sinduadi to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $93
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Condong Catur: $93
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Sendangadi: $93
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $93
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Trihanggo: $93
  • Private Transfer from Trihanggo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • airport transfer: $113
  • Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $80
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $77
  • Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $139
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
  • Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
  • Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $12
    Sao Paulo $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Morning Food Tour with Tasting: $23
  • Yogyakarta : Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Prambanan temple afternoon tour and dinner: $34
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Night Walking and Food Tour: $37
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Dinner: $39
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $40
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $40
  • Javanese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $57
  • Yogyakarta Day Food Tour: $58
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class: $71
  • Nusantara Cooking Course and Lokal Market Tour: $81

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.
    Yogyakarta $16
    Sao Paulo $4.08

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Tour Borobudur Sunrise – Merapi Volcano – Prambanan (Transport Only): $80
  • Sunrise : Punthuk Setumbu, Borobudur And Prambanan Temples Tour (PRIVATE TOUR): $121
  • Yogyakarta Jomblang Cave Day Tour (PRIVATE TOUR): $88
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
  • 1 day tour Borobudur and Prambanan Temples : $69
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $72
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Borobudur and City Tour - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $188
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta City Tour Prangtritis Beach - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $139
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $139
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan and City Tour - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $188

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 day
    Yogyakarta $4.98
    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 comparing the travel costs between Yogyakarta and Sao Paulo, we can see that Yogyakarta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Yogyakarta is in Asia and Sao Paulo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Sao Paulo?

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