A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Sao Paulo vs. Curitiba for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Curitiba, 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.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a colorful, cultural, and dynamic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Curitiba travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Curitiba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Curitiba. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park. Curitiba is famous for its performing arts, walkability, and culture.

How is Sao Paulo different from Curitiba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. 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

Curitiba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.


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

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Foodies will find both Sao Paulo and Curitiba both to be high quality destinations.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Curitiba makes for a great culinary experience. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

Is Sao Paulo or Curitiba Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Sao Paulo is a world class party destination. 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.

Curitiba offers plenty to do in the evening. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. 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.

Curitiba is a great destination for shopping. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.


Is Sao Paulo or Curitiba Better for Families?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo and Curitiba are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. 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.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Sao Paulo or Curitiba Better for Couples?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo and Curitiba are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Curitiba is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

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

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

For backpackers, both Sao Paulo and Curitiba are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Curitiba is a good city to visit for backpackers. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.


Is Sao Paulo or Curitiba Better for Students?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Curitiba is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Curitiba is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Sao Paulo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Curitiba. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

Is Sao Paulo or Curitiba a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo
Curitiba

Sao Paulo and Curitiba are high quality when it comes to 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.

Curitiba is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.


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

Should I spend more time in Curitiba or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sao Paulo and Curitiba. In our opinion, Sao Paulo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sao Paulo than Curitiba. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo than Curitiba 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 Sao Paulo or Curitiba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sao Paulo 2-3 
    Curitiba 2-3

One day in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Curitiba. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sao Paulo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Curitiba. 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.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Curitiba. 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.


A week in Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Curitiba 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Curitiba or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Curitiba is $90. 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 Sao Paulo and Curitiba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Curitiba $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Curitiba $58
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Curitiba

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Curitiba? 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 Sao Paulo


Hotels in Curitiba


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Curitiba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Curitiba $15

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 Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
  • Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Curitiba

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Curitiba:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Curitiba

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

  • Private Transfer from Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Porto Belo Port : $265
  • Private Transfer from Porto Belo Port to Curitiba Airport (CWB): $265
  • Private Transfer from Porto Belo Port to Curitiba City Hotels: $265
  • Private Transfer from Curitiba City Hotels to Porto Belo Port: $265
  • Afonso Pena Airport (CWB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $212
  • Private Transfer from Curitiba Airport: $109
  • Afonso Pena Airport CWB to Beach Resorts : Arrival Transfer: $106
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Curitiba to Curitiba Airport (CWB) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Shared Transfer: Curitiba International Airport: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Prices for flights to both Curitiba and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24
    Curitiba $47

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

Typical Food Prices in Curitiba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Curitiba:


  • Chips
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Curitiba

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

  • Bar-hopping and Food Tour in Curitiba: $36
  • Curitiba's History Food Tour: $70
  • Curitiba Tour by Night with Dinner: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Curitiba $19

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
  • 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192

Tours and Activities in Curitiba

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

  • Full Day Tour to Vila Velha and Buraco do Padre: $160
  • 4 Hour City Tour in Curitiba: $73
  • 8-hour guided tour of the Dutch Colonies of Paraná: $203
  • 8h full city tour in Curitiba: $94
  • CRAFT BREWERS TOUR By Jens Tours: $72
  • Complete Tour to Ilha do Mel: $157
  • Discover Vila Velha State Park Tour and Witmarsum Colony: $163
  • Experience the Best of City Tour Highlights: $59
  • Full-day tour in Curitiba: $78
  • Gastronomic Tour in Curitiba with Jens Tours: $81
  • Guided tour to the Canyon of Guartelá: $189
  • Half Day Curitiba Sightseeing Tour: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Curitiba $13

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Curitiba

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Curitiba:


  • Beer
    $0.42


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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Curitiba?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Curitiba. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Curitiba, 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.