Sao Paulo is a vibrant city known for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Sao Paulo and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Sao Paulo?
You should plan to spend around $56 (R$323) per day on your vacation in Sao Paulo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $23 (R$130) on meals
- $5.27 (R$30) on local transportation
- $54 (R$307) on hotels
A one week trip to Sao Paulo for two people costs, on average, $788 (R$4,522). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$394
R$2,261
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2 Weeks
Per person
$788
R$4,522
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One Month
Per person
$1,689
R$9,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$788
R$4,522
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,576
R$9,044
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,378
R$19,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sao Paulo cost?
A one week trip to Sao Paulo usually costs around $394 (R$2,261) for one person and $788 (R$4,522) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sao Paulo on average costs around $788 (R$4,522) for one person and $1,576 (R$9,044) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sao Paulo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sao Paulo on average costs around $1,689 (R$9,690) for one person and $3,378 (R$19,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sao Paulo expensive to visit?
Sao Paulo is a dynamic city that boasts a wide array of activities. Here, travelers of varying budgets and styles unite to experience everything this destination has to offer. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Sao Paulo to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $22 (R$123) per day, mid-range travelers spend $57 (R$323) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $154 (R$876) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sao Paulo.
Within South America, Sao Paulo is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tena or La Paz.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sao Paulo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sao Paulo?
The average Sao Paulo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sao Paulo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sao Paulo cost?
Sao Paulo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9
(R$52)
|
$27
(R$154)
|
$90
(R$519)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(R$12)
|
$5
(R$30)
|
$12
(R$72)
|
|
Food 2
|
$10
(R$56)
|
$23
(R$130)
|
$45
(R$259)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2
(R$9.06)
|
$4
(R$21)
|
$7
(R$40)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-2
(R$4-12)
|
$2-5
(R$9-27)
|
$3-9
(R$17-51)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Sao Paulo, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $22 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Sao Paulo has plenty of hostels, including O de Casa Hostel Bar, Brazilodge All Suites Hostel, and Vila Rock Hostel. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited. The city features reliable public transit, making it possible for budget travelers to avoid expensive taxis or rideshare options. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Sao Paulo, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Sao Paulo. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $57 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Sao Paulo is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. George V Residence Casa Branca is a solid choice for families, while Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Sao Paulo here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $154. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 8-Hour Private Tour São Paulo: Major Tourist Attractions–Optional Airport Pickup - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $39, but during peak winter season, they can average $73. Prices range from $21 to $132, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sao Paulo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $54 (R$307). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (R$154) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sao Paulo include:
- Hotel Cadoro Sao Paulo starting at $86
- George V Residence Casa Branca starting at $203
- George V Alto De Pinheiros starting at $146
- Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia starting at $83
- Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia starting at $41
Sao Paulo, being a large city, offers numerous places to stay. You'll find options ranging from hostels like O de Casa Hostel Bar to vacation rentals and upscale hotels. If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, expect higher prices, but enjoy easy access to public transit and attractions.
Staying further from the city in Sao Paulo could save you money with the help of an excellent public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during winter, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Walking is a favored way to experience Sao Paulo, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
Transportation Budget in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is a sprawling city, so getting around is crucial. Luckily, the public transit system here is fantastic. 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. If you're looking to save, public transit is the way to go, but taxis and rideshares are easy to find for added convenience.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.27 (R$30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sao Paulo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sao Paulo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.27
R$30
When using public transportation often, be sure to invest in multi-day transit passes as they can really help save you money.
Keep your belongings secure on the buses and trains, and be cautious in the stations. Sao Paulo is a bustling city after all.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport transfer for $156 details
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos <> GRU airport / Sao Paulo city for $115 details
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel for $32 details
How much does it cost to go to Sao Paulo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sao Paulo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sao Paulo
In Sao Paulo, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. 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).
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sao Paulo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sao Paulo is $23 (R$130) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$23
R$130
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sao Paulo is around $23 (R$130) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $46. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sao Paulo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $16
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
The restaurant scene in Sao Paulo is a major reason to visit the city. There is a wide variety of restaurants ranging in price from extremely budget to high end expensive. Food tents and carts offer some interesting cheap eats and are great places to grab a snack or quick lunch. Alternatively, you could eat at some of the most expensive and famous restaurants in the world, such as D.O.M.
Typical dishes in Sao Paulo include a side of beans and rice. Unlike other parts of the region, brown beans are usually used instead of black beans. Virado a Paulista is a popular dish and is made with rice, bean paste, collard greens, and pork chops. It's often served with pork rinds, sausage, a fried egg and a fried banana.
One way to save money is to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner. Numerous restaurants in tourist spots or business zones offer lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These options are typically smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner menus. If you explore the right places, you might score a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. Afterward, simply have a light dinner.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sao Paulo. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca for $189 details
- Traditional Paulistano or Brazilian Cooking Class in Sao Paulo for $130 details
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide for $236 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sao Paulo
It's clear why Sao Paulo attracts visitors, considering its museums and attractions, nightlife, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sao Paulo typically cost an average of $3.61 (R$21) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.61
R$21
The biggest appeal in visiting Sao Paulo is the great diversity of restaurants, interesting cultural events, and the handful of museums and galleries that offer you a glimpse into Brazilian culture. One of the best areas to explore is Paulista Avenue which has many restaurants, theaters, and shops. The city's historical center has many landmarks that reflect the city's past. The architecture in the area is lacking, but the area is still worth visiting. Also make sure you take time to head to the top of Banespa Tower for an outstanding view of the city. A popular park to visit is Ibirapuera Park. Two of the most notable museums around town are Museu do Ipiranga and the Memorial da America Latina. Other options are Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo, Pinacoteca do Estado, Instituto Tomio Ohtake, Museu de Arte Contemporanea, and Museu de Arte Moderna.
Sao Paulo really is a cultural hub for the country. There are many concert halls and theaters around the city with two of the most important being Theatro Municipal and Sala Sao Paulo. It's also a truly unique experience to go to a soccer game in Sao Paulo. There are four teams that are in the 1st division (Sao Paulo, Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Portuguesa) and five large football stadiums around the city (Cicero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium, Morumbi, Parque Antarctica, Pacaembu, and Caninde).
Some of the most popular events and festivals in Sao Paulo include Sao Paulo Carnival, the Gay Pride Parade, Virada Cultural, Sao Paulo Indy 300, and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Read more about this amazing city in this guide to 2 days in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Museums and Attractions:
Sao Paulo is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. 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
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Sao Paulo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour for $29 details
- Downtown Photo Tour for $150 details
- Gastronomic Tour São Paulo – Culture & History Through The Art Of Food – Private for $197 details
Nightlife Budget in Sao Paulo
The nightlife in Sao Paulo is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $3.14 (R$18) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sao Paulo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.14
R$18
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Sao Paulo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides for $177 details
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides for $71 details
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque for $185 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 29, 2024
Traveling in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil
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.
Despite being the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo is often overlooked by tourists and travelers who head straight to Rio de Janeiro. In fact, the city has plenty to see and culture abounds. The nightlife scene is excellent and each neighborhood has its own unique identity. The city is also just to the north of Parque Estadual Serra do Mar, which is a mountain range that is covered with rainforest. It makes a great ecotourism destination from the city.
Sao Paulo has a monsoon influenced humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: winter, summer, fall, and spring. The summers, which are between January and March, have average highs in the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months have temperatures that range from the low 50s to the mid 70s. Rain is common year around, but most frequent in the warmer months.
Neighborhoods & Around
While initially Sao Paulo may feel like little more than a concrete city, as you take time to explore and immerse yourself in the city, you will begin to catch glimpses of its true beauty. The striking diversity in its neighborhoods is one of the more interesting aspects of Sao Paulo. You will find extremely beautiful, luxurious and glamorous neighborhoods that house the rich of Brazil, and then you will see the slums that hide the extreme poverty. The juxtaposition of these two extremes illustrates the inequality and lack of a middle class that still exists in many parts of Brazil.
Sao Paulo can be divided into several districts. The downtown has many of the city's historical sights and cultural centers. In the west you'll find the city's commercial and nightlife scene. The south central part of Sao Paulo has the wealthiest areas as well as Parque do Ibirapuera. The southeast has a large immigrant population and the northeast is where many of the city's events are held including Carnival. The far south still has forest and farms and the far east has beautiful parks. The northwest is suburban and where you'll find Parque Estadual do Jaragua.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.