Which place is cheaper, Cochabamba or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Salvador or Cochabamba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Cochabamba, 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 Cochabamba?
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.
Cochabamba
With a population of about 630,000, Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It's located about 240 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz and is surrounded by mountains, but sits within a valley.
The city is known for its gardens and has many sights to offer the visitor. Cochabamba offers a calming retreat that is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of many South American cities. It's a great location to learn Spanish and there are plenty of activities and cultural events that you can enjoy in and around town.
Cochabamba's climate is semi-arid. There is an extended dry season between May and October and the wet season is from November to March. The days are warm and the nights are cool.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Bolivia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Cochabamba $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Cochabamba is $63. 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 Cochabamba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Cochabamba $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Cochabamba $50
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Cochabamba
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Cochabamba? 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 Cochabamba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Cochabamba $16
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:
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $16
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
- Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $23
- Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $23
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $24
- Transfer Hotel Litoral Norte / Salvador Airport: $24
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $24
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $28
- Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port to Salvador : $29
- Private Transfer from Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port: $29
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cochabamba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cochabamba:
- Airport - Hotels transfer Service 24/7: $28
- MiniVan or Bus Transfer from Cochabamba Airport CBB to Cochabamba: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Cochabamba?
Prices for flights to both Cochabamba 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 daySalvador $13Cochabamba $22
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.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $130
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $150
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Cochabamba $25
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador, Vitória & Barra: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Salvador, Pelourinho: Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $7.87
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $13
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Panoramic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $22
- Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo: $24
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $25
- Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Cochabamba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cochabamba are as follows:
- Tour to Valle Alto (Tarata): $38
- Tigre & Delta River Cruise - half day tour from Buenos Aires: $72
- Parque Nacional Torotoro Tour 2 Días y 1 Noche : $228
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Cochabamba $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
-
Beers for 2$1.37
-
Drinks$2.74
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: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Cochabamba, we can see that Cochabamba 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 Cochabamba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cochabamba 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 Cochabamba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Cochabamba?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cochabamba. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Cochabamba, 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.