Compared with other major South American cities, São Paulo might look expensive at first glance, but it is actually possible to visit on a controlled budget if you know where to look for the best deals, both in accommodation and in food and transport.
Saving on accommodation
One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to choose accommodation near metro stations, which lets you avoid taxis or ride-hailing apps, usually more expensive than public transport. Hotel Econômico ao Lado do Metrô is a good example of this type of option, combining an affordable price with a strategic location for getting around the city.
Affordable options in different areas
It is also worth comparing areas slightly further from the most touristy centre, where prices tend to be lower without compromising convenience too much. Options such as Hotel city Clélia or Hotel prime hospedaria das belezas can be worth considering depending on the specific itinerary, especially for longer stays where every night saved makes a difference to the overall budget.
Eating well without overspending
- Look for popular per-kilo restaurants, where you pay by the weight of your food and usually get good value for money.
- Avoid restaurants right next to the main tourist areas, where prices tend to be higher.
- Take advantage of municipal markets to try local food at lower prices than in formal restaurants.
- Use the metro instead of taxis whenever your route allows it, since it is significantly cheaper.
It is also worth comparing prices across different ride-hailing apps before choosing one, since fares can vary quite a bit depending on the time of day and the area of the city, and the most popular option is not always the cheapest.
Another way to keep costs under control is to set an approximate daily budget at the start of the trip, dividing the total amount available by the number of days, which helps avoid unpleasant surprises when totalling expenses. Exchanging currency at bureaux outside the most touristy areas also tends to result in better rates than doing so at airports or large hotels. Keeping some cash on hand for small purchases is also a good habit, since not every establishment accepts card payments. Setting up a simple spreadsheet or notes app to track daily spending can also make it much easier to spot where the budget is slipping before it becomes a problem.
Other tips for cutting costs
Many of the city's museums and cultural spaces have free-entry days or reduced prices, which is worth checking before planning your visits. Travelling outside major sporting events or international trade fairs also tends to result in lower accommodation prices, since demand drops outside those dates.
If the goal is to stay close to a specific event without overspending, M HOTEL, near the Arena do Corinthians, can be a balanced option on match days, avoiding extra travel costs.
With a bit of planning, it is entirely possible to experience São Paulo without going over budget. Compare affordable accommodation options on TravelGuest and start organising your trip today.
