Which place is cheaper, Lima or Salta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Salta and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Salta is $9.77, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Salta and Lima in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Salta or Lima? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Salta are as follows:
Also for Salta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
Prices for flights to both Lima and Salta 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.
For Salta, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Salta's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Salta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Salta are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Salta:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salta and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Salta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salta 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima than you might in Salta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salta Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Salta. When comparing the sizes of Salta and Lima, 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.