Which place is cheaper, Salvador or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Salvador?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Salvador $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $44. 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 Fortaleza and Salvador in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Salvador $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Salvador $48
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Salvador
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Salvador $6.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $177
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $255
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Fortaleza Airport Shared Transfer: $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $299
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $280
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $157
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $146
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Transfer in Salvador: $137
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $126
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Salvador?
Prices for flights to both Salvador and Fortaleza 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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $24Salvador $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza
For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $27
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $130
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $150
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Salvador $5.67
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $21
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $100
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $141
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $60
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $137
- Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $129
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $151
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
- Fort Beach Tour and Tamar Project: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Salvador $5.38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
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: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Salvador, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza than you might in Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Salvador Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Salvador?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Salvador?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Fortaleza or Salvador in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Salvador.
In the summer, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Salvador. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Salvador averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Salvador 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Salvador in the Autumn?
Both Salvador and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In April, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Salvador. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Salvador 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Salvador in the Winter?
Both Salvador and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Salvador in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Salvador fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 181 hours of full sun.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Salvador 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Salvador in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Salvador.
In the spring, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Salvador. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Salvador averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Salvador during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Salvador. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Salvador 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Salvador and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Salvador | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.