Istanbul vs São Paulo - City Size Comparison

Is Istanbul Bigger Than São Paulo?

Yes — Istanbul is 3.6x larger than São Paulo by area. Istanbul spans 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) while São Paulo covers 1,521 km² (587 mi²) — a difference of 3,940 km². You could fit São Paulo inside Istanbul approximately 3 times.

About Istanbul

Turkey's largest city, spanning Europe and Asia. Known as "The City on Two Continents", Istanbul covers 5,461 km² with a population of 15.5 million. The city was founded around 660 BC. Istanbul is known for Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Istanbul Metro.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia

About São Paulo

Brazil's largest city and financial center. Also known as "Sampa", São Paulo has an area of 1,521 km² and is home to 12.3 million people. The city dates back to 1554. Visitors come for Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo Museum of Art, and much more. Getting around is easy with the São Paulo Metro.

São Paulo has the largest Japanese community outside Japan

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the São Paulo metropolitan area covers 7,947 km², which is 1.5x larger than greater Istanbul at 5,461 km². The São Paulo metro area is also more populous, with 22.0 million people compared to 15.5 million.

Population Density

Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. São Paulo, with 8,107 people per km², is a densely populated city. São Paulo is noticeably denser, packing 2.9 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Istanbul has a oceanic climate while São Paulo experiences humid subtropical conditions. When it's noon in Istanbul, it's 6:00 AM in São Paulo — a 6-hour time difference.