Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Jaco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Jaco, 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 Jaco?
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.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Jaco? 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 Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Jaco -
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:
- 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.: $23
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $61
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $47
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $43
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $100
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $94
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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 $13Jaco $21
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 Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Jaco $60
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: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
- Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
- Jason Crocodile Tours: $40
- Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
- Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $47
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
- Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- Jaco Horse Tours: $60
- Chocolate Experience: $62
- Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Jaco $32
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 Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 Jaco is in Central America, 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Jaco?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Jaco, 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 Jaco?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or Jaco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Jaco. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Jacoin July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Jaco. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Jacoin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Jacoin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Jaco in the Winter?
Both Jaco and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
In July, Salvador is generally cooler than Jacoin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Jacoin January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Jacoin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Jaco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Salvador is cooler than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Jacoin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Salvador
| Salvador | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.