A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Salvador vs. Buzios for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salvador or Buzios?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Buzios, 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 Buzios?

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.

Buzios

Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu.


Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Salvador?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $47, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $83. 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 Buzios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $21
    Buzios $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $42
    Buzios $66
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Buzios

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Buzios? 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 Buzios


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.27
    Buzios $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $249
  • Salvador Airport SSA to Praia do Forte-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $165
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $134
  • Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
  • Transfer in Salvador: $123
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $119
  • Private Transfer from/to Salvador Airport From/to Grand Palladium Imbassai: $115
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $114
  • Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $106
  • Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $105
  • Transfer Iberostar Bahia / Praia do Forte Private Executive Van: $105
  • Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

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

  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $93
  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $76
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $105
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $105
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio city hotels: $122
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $148
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $149
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Santos Dumont (SDU): $149
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $133
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Buzios?

Prices for flights to both Buzios 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 $20
    Buzios $36
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.

  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $78
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $83
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class with Market Visit: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $90
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $116
  • CITY ESCAPE: Relax on night in Paradies with Breakfast & Dinner: $132
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $157
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $160
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $4.97
    Buzios $23

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 : $126
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking : $36
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $125
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Beach Daytour to Praia do Forte, get to know the Coconut Coast: $114
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $135
  • City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil: $176
  • City Tour in Salvador discover the first capital of Brazil: $123
  • Coconut Beach Costal day tour with Lunch at the Jaquipe River: $166
  • Culinary Traditions Tour : $180

Tours and Activities in Buzios

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

  • Tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour: $11
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $18
  • Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $21
  • Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $24
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $25
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $27
  • Buzios Trolley City Tour: $28
  • Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens: $30
  • Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $37
  • From Búzios to Arraial on a Private Tour with Photos!: $49
  • Schooner Tour in Buzios - Departure from Buzios: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $4.72
    Buzios $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.20
  • Drinks
    $2.40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Buzios, we can see that Buzios 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 Buzios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buzios 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 Buzios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Buzios?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Buzios, 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.