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

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.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Salvador?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $56. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    La Paz $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    La 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.

Hotels in Salvador


Hotels in La Paz


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.78
    La Paz $9.45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.13

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 between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $272
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $58
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $146
  • Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $48
  • Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Waves Bahia: $42
  • Transfer roundtrip in Salvador with Historical City Tour: $62
  • Transfer in Salvador: $172
  • Transfer and return from DE Airport to Hotels in Salvador: $54
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $97
  • Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • La Paz Private Airport Transfer Service: $90
  • Airport Transfer In_night: $47
  • Bus Station Transfer Out_night : $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: La Paz Hotels to El Alto International Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $52
  • Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City by MiniVan/Bus: $28
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
  • Private Transfer from El Alto Airport to La Paz, Bolivia Hotels: $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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Salvador $21
    La Paz $29
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.31

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
  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
  • Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
  • 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:


  • 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 : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    La 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: $140
  • "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times : $143
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking : $39
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $146
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $90
  • Brazil Tropical Fruit Tour in Salvador local farmer's market: $49
  • Brazilian Tasting experience Amazing Foods of Salvador da Bahia: $75
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $190
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • City Tour in Salvador to meet Brazil’s first capital: $174

Tours and Activities in La Paz

For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets: $5.00
  • City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
  • La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
  • Walking tour La Paz city: $14
  • El Alto Tour: Andean Spirituality, the Chola, and Cable Car Views: $16
  • Half Day Guided Tour in El Alto City: $19
  • La Paz City Tour Essential: $23
  • Cholet Tour - Andean Architecture and Culture - El Alto: $26
  • La Paz Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • La Paz Guided Sightseeing Tour on Bus and Cable Car: $30
  • Smells like La Paz spirit: Walking & artistic city tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    La Paz $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.31
  • Drinks
    $2.63


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.