A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers David vs. Salta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit David or Salta?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between David and Salta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: David or Salta?

David

In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.

Salta

Located in the heart of the famous Northwest region of Argentina, at 1200m of elevation and at the foot of the Cerro San Bernardo, Salta is the largest city of the region and perhaps the most beautiful colonial city of Argentina. Founded in 1582 by the Spanish, Salta was an important stop for merchants who followed the usual trade road through Bolivia and Peru. Argentines call this city nestled in the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by mountains, of just over half a million inhabitants, Salta La Linda (Salta the Beautiful) and it's easy to see why. Young and traditional at the same time, Salta and its renowned museums, plaza side cafes and live musica folklorica of its bustling penas, is a sophisticated and lively city day and night.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Salta or David?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in David is $39, while the average daily cost in Salta is $45. 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 David and Salta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    David $12
    Salta $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    David $24
    Salta $62
Compare Hotels in David and Salta

Looking for a hotel in David or Salta? 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 David


Hotels in Salta


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: David Hotel Prices and Salta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    David $12
    Salta $3.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salta

Also for Salta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $5.50
  • Transfer from Salta Airport: $7.19
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip SLA Airport Transfer: $8.00
  • Shared Transfer from Downtown Hotels in Salta to Airport: $12
  • Salta Airport Shuttle Transfer: $15
  • Salta Airport One-Way or Round-Trip Transfers: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip SLA Airport Transfer: $56
  • From Cafayate and Hornocal 2-Day Tour with Transfer: $88
  • From Salinas and Hornocal 2-Day Tour with Transfer: $99
  • Salta City Tour & Round Trip Transfers airport - hotel: $109
  • Combo: Cafayate Tour + Cachi + Transfers + Free Walking Tour: $117
  • Cafayate Wine Tour with Tastings and Transfers: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into David or Salta?

Prices for flights to both Salta and David 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
    David $17
    Salta $5.41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    David $4.37
    Salta $27

Tours and Activities in Salta

For Salta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4-Hour Guided Highlights City Tour: $16
  • Salta Private Tour with a Photojournalist : $18
  • Salta City Half Day Tour: $20
  • From City Tour of the city on a half-day ride: $20
  • Guided City Tour: $26
  • From Full-Day Scenic Tour to Cachi: $30
  • From Cachi and Los Cardones National Park Tour: $30
  • From Full-day tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park: $31
  • From Full-Day Tour to Cafayate, Land of Wines: $31
  • Tour to Cafayate from Salta : $31
  • Half-Day City Tour: Salta and San Lorenzo: $32
  • Full-Day Tour Cafayate Calchaqui Valleys with Wine: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    David -
    Salta $5.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Salta

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Salta:

  • Cafayate: Full-day tour of wineries and wine tasting: $29
  • Full-day Cafayate, Lerma Valley, and Wine Tasting from Salta: $30
  • From Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting: $30
  • From Cafayate Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $40
  • Half Day Wine Tasting in Salta: $147


When comparing the travel costs between David and Salta, we can see that Salta 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. Even though David is in Central America and Salta is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, David or Salta?

Salta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of David and Salta, 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.