Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zurich or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Sao Paulo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zurich or Sao Paulo?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $271Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, 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 Zurich and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $171Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $342Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $36Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,425
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,094
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,094
- Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $994
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $866
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $657
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $648
- TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $646
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $643
- Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $641
- Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $641
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $620
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 Zurich or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Zurich 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 dayZurich $62Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$13
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $36Sao Paulo $4.08
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- (STTZ01) - Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour : $24
- 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $633
- 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $222
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $100
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $656
- Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $808
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $128
- Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $155
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $89
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $115
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $30Sao Paulo $3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $33
- Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155
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 Zurich and Sao Paulo, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zurich or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Zurich usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Zurich is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.
Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Sao Paulo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the spring, Zurich is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Zurich
| Zurich | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.