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

Should you visit Mar del 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 Mar del Plata and Salvador can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Salvador?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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 Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Salvador or Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, while the average daily cost in Salvador 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 Mar del Plata and Salvador in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Salvador $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Salvador $50
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Salvador

Looking for a hotel in Mar del 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 Mar del 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Salvador $6.21

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:

  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $291
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $164
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $154
  • Transfer Iberostar Bahia / Praia do Forte Private Executive Van: $144
  • Transfer in Salvador: $144
  • Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $140
  • Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $132
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $131
  • Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Salvador?

Prices for flights to both Salvador and Mar del 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
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Salvador $13

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.

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $104
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $130
  • Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $156
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Salvador $5.86

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": $104
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $144
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
  • Candomblé Ceremony Tour from Salvador: $80
  • Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $62
  • Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
  • City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil: $144
  • Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $132
  • Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $154
  • Culinary Traditions Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    Salvador $5.56

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
    $2.83

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: $72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Salvador, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del 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 Mar del Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Salvador?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del 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 Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Salvador in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Salvador.

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Salvador. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 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 Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Salvador. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Salvador. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Salvador 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Salvador in the Autumn?

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

Mar del Plata is much colder than Salvador in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Salvador. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Salvador in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Salvador. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Salvador averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Salvador 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Salvador in the Spring?

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

In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Salvador. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 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, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Salvador. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Salvador and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Salvador
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)