A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salvador vs. Kingston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salvador or Kingston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Kingston, 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 Kingston?

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.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Salvador?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $109. 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 Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    Kingston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    Kingston $128
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Kingston? 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.

Hotels in Salvador


Hotels in Kingston


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 Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.02
    Kingston $30
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:

  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
  • 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
  • Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
  • All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $22
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
  • Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $169
  • Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
  • Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
  • Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
  • Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
  • Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 day
    Salvador $13
    Kingston $27
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 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.67
    Kingston $13

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

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
  • Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
  • Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
  • Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
  • Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $70
  • Kingston City Tour (starting in Kingston): $72
  • Shared Tour: Irie Blue Hole & Secret Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $73
  • Friday Evening Kingston Harbour Cruise, Sunday Beach Cruise or Charter Our Boats: $75
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.38
    Kingston $11
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 Kingston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:

  • Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Kingston, we can see that Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston 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 Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Kingston?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Kingston, 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 Kingston?

Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Salvador or Kingston in the Summer?

Both Kingston and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Kingston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kingston during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Kingstonin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Kingston in the Autumn?

Both Kingston and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Kingstonin October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.

Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Kingstonin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Kingston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Kingston. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Kingstonin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Kingstonin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Kingston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Kingston. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Kingstonin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Kingstonin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Salvador

Salvador Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)