Which place is cheaper, Havana or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Havana, 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Havana? 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 $6.02Havana $19
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$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Airport Transfer - Sauipe Resorts 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $32
- Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $80
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
- One Way transfer : Salvador airport to/ from Salvador da Bahia : $43
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
- Praia do Forte Private Transfer From Salvador : $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $13Havana $10
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$1.37
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 Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Havana $11
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: $7.65
- Salvador, Pelourinho: Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $7.84
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $13
- Panoramic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Historic 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
- Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $25
- Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Havana $5.76
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$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Havana, we can see that Havana 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 Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Havana?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Havana, 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.
When is the best time to visit Salvador or Havana?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Havanain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Havanain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Havana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Havana. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Havanain January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Havanain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Havana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Havana. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in April.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Havanain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Salvador
| Salvador | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
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.