Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44La Paz $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $44. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24La Paz $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Salvador and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02La Paz $9.45
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: $284
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $61
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $43
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $101
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $94
- Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $120
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer In_ Day: $25
- Airport Transfer In_night: $47
- Airport Transfer Out_night: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_night : $25
- Airport to City Center Hotel Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer Airport to Hotels Service 24/7: $21
- One-Way Private Transfer from La Paz Hotels to Airport : $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in La Paz City: $60
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City by MiniVan/Bus: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $13La Paz $17
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.
- Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- 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 La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Fruit$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67La Paz $16
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
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $141
- 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 - BR: $130
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $130
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $151
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking city tour La Paz: $2.66
- La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour: $3.00
- City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
- Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
- La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Cable Car Ride: $10
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- Private Sunset Tour in La Paz: $10
- Live Virtual City Tour - La Paz : $10
- Titicaca Lake - Bus Ticket - From La Paz City - Ow: $12
- Gastronomic Tour Vivencial Tour de las Caseras: $13
- Private Cable Car City Tour: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38La Paz $11
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
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: $109
Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:
- Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50
When comparing the travel costs between Salvador and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or La Paz?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and La Paz, 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.