A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Salvador for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Salvador or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Salvador Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $55
    Salvador $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $55, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $55. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $39
    Salvador $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $78
    Salvador $50
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Salvador


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: Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.04
    Salvador $6.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Airport Transfer (EZEIZA o AEP) + Private Buenos Aires City Tour: $219
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $114
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $107
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $140
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $68
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $114
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $111
  • Buenos Aires : Aljibe, Tango and folklore show with Transfers.: $126
  • Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $71
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires - Round -Trip Transfer: $103

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $45
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $145
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
  • Catamaran Direct or Semi Transfer Salvador to Morro de São Paulo: $72
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $134
  • Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $76
  • Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte, In/Out Transfers: $133
  • Iberostar Waves Bahia, Transfers Go and Go: $99
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $170
  • Praia do Forte Private Transfer by 12-Seat Minivan: $230
  • Praia do Forte to Salvador Airport SSA-Departure Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

Prices for flights to both Salvador and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.37
    Salvador $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $26
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $36
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Madero Tango Dinner Show: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show in Buenos Aires: $46
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46

Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.

  • Eat and drink before you fly: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • Enjoy before flying: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • Cooking class in Salvador, fun hands on experience with caips: $63
  • 4h Cooking Class in Salvador with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $65
  • 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $68
  • Savour Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $75
  • Traditional Moqueca Cooking Class: $75
  • Bahia Bites Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $79
  • Bahia Bites Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $80
  • Brazilian Cooking Class with Unlimited Caipirinhas: $89
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $105
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Show and Dinner: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Salvador $5.85

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.70
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.97
  • The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Private Shopping Tour with Matu Salcedo: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Salvador Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.74
  • Self-Guided Podcast Tour Guardians of the Bay: $5.45
  • City Tour Salvador Panoramic: $19
  • Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
  • City Tour Salvador Historica: $19
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • Authentic Bars Tour in Santo Antônio Beyond the Carmo!: $19
  • Beyond a Night Tour: An Autentic Bar Experience in Salvador: $22
  • Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $23
  • Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $23
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $24
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.99
    Salvador $5.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $56
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Classic Tiger Delta Navigation, City Tour and Wine Tasting: $69
  • Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.41
  • Drinks
    $2.82


When comparing the travel costs between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador, we can see that Salvador 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Salvador Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Salvador. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador in the Summer?

Both Salvador and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Salvador. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Salvador averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Salvador. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Salvador during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Salvador 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador in the Autumn?

Both Salvador and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.

In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Salvador. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 190 hours of full sun.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador. Furthermore, many travelers come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Salvador in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Salvador fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Salvador 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Salvador. Additionally, many visitors come to Salvador in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Salvador. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Salvador averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 228 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Salvador. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Salvador and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Salvador
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)