Which place is cheaper, Cali or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Cali?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Cali, 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 Cali?
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.
Cali
Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.
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 Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $41Cali $24
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $41, while the average daily cost in Cali is $24. 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 Cali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $22Cali $5.76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $44Cali $12
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Cali
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Cali? 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 and Cali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.64Cali $5.38
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:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
- Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $24
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $260
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $56
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $117
- Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $46
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $40
- Transfer in Salvador: $129
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $87
- Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $111
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali
Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $33
- Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $102
- Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by MiniSuv: $98
- Cali Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $175
- Cali Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $241
- Cali Tour Privado x8 horas con Transfers: $359
- Cali to or from Buenaventura Private Transfer: $86
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $140
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Cali?
Prices for flights to both Cali 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 $12Cali $8.20
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.
- Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
- 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: $139
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali
For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour: $21
- Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
- Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
- Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.32Cali $10
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: $180
- "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
- Beach Daytour to Praia do Forte, get to know the Coconut Coast: $121
- 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: $148
- Coconut Beach Costal day tour with Lunch at the Jaquipe River: $176
Tours and Activities in Cali
For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shared Tour of the Historical and Cultural Center of Cali: $13
- Gastronomic Tour at the Alameda Market Shared: $13
- Cultural and heritage Cali tour: $15
- Ceramic Workshop for Tourists: $17
- Weed Tour: Cali's Cannabis culture and smoke spots: $30
- The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
- RiCo Salsa Tour: Cali Real: $32
- Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
- Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
- Walking tour of the historic center: $37
- Afro Walking Tour. THE COLORS OF CALI.: $39
- Craft beer tour in Cali: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.05Cali $8.12
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Salvador
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salvador:
- Tropical Night Samba Drinks Pub crawl in Salvador: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Cali, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. And not only is Cali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cali 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 Salvador would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salvador than you might in Cali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Cali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Cali?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Cali. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Cali, 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.