Should I Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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.

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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices

Salvador Prices
Brazil Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Buenos Aires, Argentina $25

Salvador $46

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $25, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $46. 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 $10

Salvador $25
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Buenos Aires, Argentina $20

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.

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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.87

Salvador $6.28

Typical Local Transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

Taxi from Airport

$0.33
Local Bus

$0.01
Metro Ride

$0.01
Taxi to airport

$0.09
Taxi

$0.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $40
2-Days Buenos Aires Express - Accommodation + Roundtrip transfer + City tour : $324
Airport Transfer: $110
Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $43
Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $39
Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $43
Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport AEP to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $32
Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport AEP to Buenos Aires City by Van: $54
Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $58
Arrival Private Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City Center by Sedan: $46

Typical Local Transportation prices in Salvador

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

Bus from Airport

$1.22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

Airport Transfer - Sauípe Resorts 05 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
Airport Transfer - Sauipe Resorts 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $167
Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $33
Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $83
Iberostar Bahia, Roundtrip Transfers: $92
Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $92
Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Lençois (Chapada Diamantina) to / from Salvador BA: $250

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 $7.97

Salvador $13

Typical Food prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

Lunch

$0.06
Cup of Coffee

$0.04
Empandas

$0.05
Espresso

$0.02
Dinner (Pizza)

$0.04
Ice Cream

$0.03
Breakfast at Airport

$0.09
Dinner (Sandwiches)

$0.03
Sweets

$0.02
Hot Dog

$0.02
Breakfast (Take-Away)

$0.03
Lunch for 2

$0.40
Cake and Coffee

$1.30
Dinner

$4.62
Powerade

$0.28
Lunch

$2.05
Dinner

$2.98
Chocolate

$7.65

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.

Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
2hrs Private Argentine Cooking Class: $20
3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $28
Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $34
Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $35
Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
Tango Porteño Show With Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40

Typical Food prices in Salvador

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

Dinner for 2

$1.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

Folkloric Ballet Show in Salvador with Regional Dinner: $63
Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in North Salvador: $70
Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $107
Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $114
Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $130
Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $160
Ivan Bahia, Antropological Reconcavo Baiano tour with cooking course & boat trip: $202

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.20

Salvador $5.92

Typical Entertainment prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)

$0.09
Movie Ticket

$0.04
Tango Class

$0.07
Bar entrance

$1.42

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
La Boca Walking Tour: $10

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

Salvador (Pelourinho) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.05
Salvador (Vitória and Barra) Self-Guided Tour: $8.05
Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $8.19
Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $13
Panoramic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $15
Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $15
Tour of Rio Vermelho House - History of Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai: $19
Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $23
Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $23
Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $24
Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $25
Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.44

Salvador $5.62

Typical Alcohol prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:

Beer

$0.03
Beer (0.66L)

$0.05
Cocktail

$0.07
Alcohol

$1.63

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:

Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires with Tapas: $45
Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $49
Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $57
Wine Tasting Sessions: $60
Asado and Wine Tasting by Gaston: $65
Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $66
Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $74
Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74

Typical Alcohol prices in Salvador

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

Beers for 2

$1.43
Drinks

$2.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Salvador

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salvador:

Tropical Night Samba Drinks Pub crawl in Salvador: $73

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Salvador, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Salvador would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salvador than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Salvador?

Buenos Aires, Argentina is bigger, and its population is about 4.8 times larger than the population of Salvador. When comparing the population of Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. 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 and the activities 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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