Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $41Buzios $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $41, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $72. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $22Buzios $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $44Buzios $70
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.64Buzios $18
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$1.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $260
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $125
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $123
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $123
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $117
- Private Transfer from/to Salvador Airport From/to Grand Palladium Imbassai: $115
- Private Transfer from Salvador International Airport to Salvador: $110
- Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $109
- Transfer Morro de Sao Paulo round trip: $100
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
- Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios
Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $52
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $29
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $26
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $111
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $111
- Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio city hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio hotels: $41
- Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $29
- Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Santos Dumont (SDU): $29
- Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $48
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
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Food Meals for one daySalvador $12Buzios $22
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$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class with Market Visit: $85
- Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $121
- Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $124
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- CITY ESCAPE: Relax on night in Paradies with Breakfast & Dinner: $138
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.32Buzios $25
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times : $132
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $93
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $144
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $56
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $180
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil: $145
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
- Exclusive & Private Walking Tour in Pelourinho Salvador 3 hours: $35
- Fort Beach Tour and Tamar Project: $100
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: $15
- Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
- Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $22
- Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $24
- Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $29
- Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens: $29
- 7 Beaches In Búzios With Photos On A Private Tour!: $32
- 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $33
- Buzios Trolley City Tour: $34
- Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $37
- From Buzios To Arraial With Photos On A Private Tour!: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.05Buzios $16
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$1.28
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Drinks$2.56
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.
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.