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

Should you visit Salvador or Antigua Guatemala?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Antigua Guatemala, 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: Salvador or Antigua Guatemala?

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.

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Salvador?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Salvador Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Antigua Guatemala Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Salvador $53
    Antigua Guatemala $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $53, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $74. 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 Salvador and Antigua Guatemala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    Antigua Guatemala $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Antigua Guatemala

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Antigua Guatemala? 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 Salvador


Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.02
    Antigua Guatemala $13
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:

  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $290
  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $240
  • Praia do Forte Private Transfer by 12-Seat Minivan: $230
  • Transfer DE Salvador Airport to Iberostar or Grand Palladium: $181
  • Transfer in Salvador: $180
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $155
  • Salvador Airport Private Transfer by 12-Seater Minivan: $150
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $145
  • Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $144
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $140
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $136
  • Transfer Airport-Praia do Forte / Guarajuba 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • One-Way Shared Van Transfer to Panajachel: $25
  • Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
  • Antigua: Private Transfer to Guatemala City Airport: $30
  • From Antigua Guatemala One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
  • From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
  • From Panajachel: One Way Shared Transfers to Antigua: $25
  • Guatemala City Airport: Private Transfer to Antigua: $30
  • Panajachel: One way shared transfer to Antigua: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Antigua Guatemala?

Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala and Salvador 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
    Salvador $22
    Antigua Guatemala $25
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.

  • Enjoy before flying: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • Eat and drink before you fly: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • 4h Cooking Class in Salvador with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $65
  • Cooking class in Salvador, fun hands on experience with caips: $66
  • 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $68
  • Traditional Moqueca Cooking Class: $75
  • Bahia Bites Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $79
  • Bahia Bites Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $80
  • Brazilian Cooking Class with Unlimited Caipirinhas: $89
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $105
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Show and Dinner: $124
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $132

Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.27
  • Lunch
    $7.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
  • Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
  • Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
  • Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
  • Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
  • Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
  • Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.68
    Antigua Guatemala $15

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking: $33
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $155
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $180
  • Authentic Bars Tour in Santo Antônio Beyond the Carmo!: $20
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $89
  • Beach Daytour to Praia do Forte, get to know the Coconut Coast: $127
  • Beyond a Night Tour: An Autentic Bar Experience in Salvador: $22
  • City Tour Salvador Historica: $20
  • City Tour Salvador Panoramic: $20
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $20

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • Antigua Earthquake Baroque Architecture Audio Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Antigua Guatemala Historic Center Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Signature Lattes Tasting Experience in Antigua for Coffee Lovers: $13
  • Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
  • Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Express tour in Antigua: $20
  • Guided City Tour with Chef David Farfan: $20
  • Cultural and Fun Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $22
  • Walking Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Tour in English/Spanish: $23
  • Guided Walking Tour with Coffee: $24
  • Antigua Sightseeing: Private Walking Tour Culture and History: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.39
    Antigua Guatemala $12
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 Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South America and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala 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 Salvador Expensive? and Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Antigua Guatemala?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Antigua Guatemala, 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.