Which place is cheaper, Salvador or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Salvador?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Salvador, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Salvador?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesSalvador Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Salvador $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $51. 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 Punta del Este and Salvador in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $53Salvador $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $106Salvador $46
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Salvador
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Salvador $5.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $116
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $116
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $275
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
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$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $272
- Private Transfer from/to Salvador Airport From/to Grand Palladium Imbassai: $180
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $180
- Transfer in Salvador: $172
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $146
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $135
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport to Hotel by Minivan: $130
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $126
- Transfer Iberostar Bahia / Praia do Forte Private Executive Van: $115
- Salvador Airport SSA to Praia do Forte-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $110
- Salvador de Bahia: Private Round-Trip Airport–Hotel Transfer: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Salvador?
Prices for flights to both Salvador and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $51Salvador $21
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$1.31
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
- Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
- Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
- Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
- Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
- Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
- Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
- Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Salvador $5.45
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Tour: $10
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset at Casapueblo: $30
- Punta del Este city tour: $42
- Full-day guided tour of Punta del Este: $43
- Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $45
- Full-Day Beach & Culture Tour: $45
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
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: $140
- "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times : $143
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
- Afro Tour Walking - Walking : $39
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $146
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $90
- Brazil Tropical Fruit Tour in Salvador local farmer's market: $49
- Brazilian Tasting experience Amazing Foods of Salvador da Bahia: $75
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $190
- City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
- City Tour in Salvador to meet Brazil’s first capital: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.43Salvador $5.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
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$1.31
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Drinks$2.63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Salvador, we can see that Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Salvador Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Salvador?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Salvador in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Salvador. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.
Punta del Este is cooler than Salvador in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, 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 Punta del Este this time of the year. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to February in Salvador is the dry season. March to August in Salvador is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Salvador 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Salvador in the Autumn?
Both Salvador and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Salvador for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is much colder than Salvador. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Salvador averages at about 26°C (80°F).
Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Salvador during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 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, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 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 AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Salvador 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Salvador in the Winter?
Both Salvador and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Salvador in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Salvador. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 135 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. September to February is the dry season in Salvador. March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Salvador 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Salvador in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Salvador. Also, most visitors come to Salvador for the beaches during these months.
Punta del Este is much colder than Salvador in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Salvador during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 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, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Salvador. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 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 OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Salvador 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Salvador and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Salvador | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.