Moscow vs São Paulo - City Size Comparison

Is Moscow Bigger Than São Paulo?

Moscow is significantly larger, covering 1.7 times the area of São Paulo. Moscow spans 2,511 km² (970 mi²) while São Paulo covers 1,521 km² (587 mi²) — a difference of 990 km².

About Moscow

Russia's capital and largest city. Known as "The Third Rome", Moscow covers 2,511 km² with a population of 12.5 million. The city was established in 1147. Moscow is known for The Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Moscow Metro.

Moscow's metro stations are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, often called 'underground palaces'

About São Paulo

Brazil's largest city and financial center. Nicknamed "Sampa", São Paulo has an area of 1,521 km² and is home to 12.3 million people. Its history stretches 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 1.3x larger than greater Moscow at 5,891 km². The São Paulo metro area is also more populous, with 22.0 million people compared to 17.1 million.

Population Density

Moscow has a population density of 4,994 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 1.6 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Moscow has a humid continental climate while São Paulo experiences humid subtropical conditions. Winters differ dramatically: São Paulo stays around 17°C while Moscow drops to -8°C. When it's noon in Moscow, it's 6:00 AM in São Paulo — a 6-hour time difference.