A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Sao Paulo for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a cultural, dynamic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Kaunas and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaunas attracts visitors for its historical sights. Sao Paulo is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sao Paulo and Kaunas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sao Paulo on the map. 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

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Sao Paulo is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Sao Paulo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Kaunas has an old town worth visiting. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Sao Paulo is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Both Kaunas and Sao Paulo are nice family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.


Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Both Kaunas and Sao Paulo are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sao Paulo. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Kaunas and Sao Paulo are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Kaunas is a good city to visit for students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sao Paulo has a great public transit system. 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.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.


Is Kaunas or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. 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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kaunas and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sao Paulo than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Kaunas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sao Paulo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Kaunas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sao Paulo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Kaunas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sao Paulo.


  • How many days in Kaunas or Sao Paulo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kaunas 1-2 
    Sao Paulo 2-3

One day in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Kaunas. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaunas has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sao Paulo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

You'll find food and nightlife around the young destination of Kaunas. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the young city of Kaunas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Kaunas is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Kaunas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €118, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is €51. 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 Kaunas and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Sao Paulo 24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Sao Paulo 48
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Sao Paulo 4.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN: $68
  • CO2-Offset Private Transfer from Kaunas to Kaunas Airport KUN: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 60
    Sao Paulo 21

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:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Sao Paulo 3.31

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Kaunas : Sightseeing Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $117
  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $60
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Private Ghost Tour: $243
  • Kaunas Private Tour: Love Stories: $243
  • Kaunas Private Tour: Love Stories: $477
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $119
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $176
  • 1 day Self-Guided Bike Tour with Train Tickets: $69
  • Old Town Private Ghost Tour: $477
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $54
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $84
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $70

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Sao Paulo 2.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Sao Paulo, we can see that Kaunas is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kaunas 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 Kaunas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaunas 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kaunas or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kaunas is cooler than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Kaunas usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kaunas is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin April. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Kaunas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Kaunas usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Sao Paulo. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city.

Kaunas is much colder than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Kaunas

Kaunas Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)