A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Plata vs. Salvador for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Plata or Salvador?

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 La Plata and Salvador can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or Salvador?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

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 Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Salvador or La Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, 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 La Plata and Salvador in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.47
    Salvador $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $6.94
    Salvador $48
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Salvador

Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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 La Plata


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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.47
    Salvador $6.02

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • 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 La Plata or Salvador?

Prices for flights to both Salvador and La Plata 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
    La Plata $3.37
    Salvador $13
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.16
    Salvador $5.67
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.20
    Salvador $5.38

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.37
  • 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 La Plata and Salvador, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 La Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Salvador?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata 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 La Plata or Salvador in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Salvador.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. In the summer, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Salvador. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. La Plata usually gets less rain in January than Salvador. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Salvador 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Salvador in the Autumn?

Both Salvador and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

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

La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during autumn. La Plata gets 156 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. In April, La Plata usually receives less rain than Salvador. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Salvador in the Winter?

Both Salvador and La Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.

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

In the winter, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Salvador. La Plata gets 102 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. La Plata usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Salvador 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Salvador in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Salvador.

In the spring, La Plata is cooler than Salvador. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Plata in October average around 18°C (64°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. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during spring. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Plata usually receives less rain than Salvador. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Salvador and La Plata

La Plata Salvador
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)