A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur, 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.

Where Should I go: Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?

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.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur 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.

  • Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
    San Juan del Sur Prices
    Nicaragua Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sao Paulo $60
    San Juan del Sur $66

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $66. 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 San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Juan del Sur


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 San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    San Juan del Sur $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:

  • Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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
    San Juan del Sur $32

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.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    San Juan del Sur $15

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
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    San Juan del Sur $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


When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur, we can see that San Juan del Sur 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 Sao Paulo is in South America and San Juan del Sur is in Central 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 Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1290 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur, 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 Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur?

Sao Paulo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as San Juan del Sur. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Surin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than San Juan del Surin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?

Both San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?

Both San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than San Juan del Surin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and San Juan del Sur. The spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than San Juan del Surin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo San Juan del Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)