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 is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
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 Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48La Paz $104
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 $22
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:
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $16
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
- Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $23
- Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $24
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $24
- Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $24
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $24
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $28
- Private Transfer from Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port: $29
- Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port to Salvador : $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
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 $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67La Paz $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 La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
- Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
- Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
- Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
- From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
- holy spirit island tour: $116
- Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
- Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38La Paz $12
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz is in North 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or La Paz?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 20 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.
When is the best time to visit Salvador or La Paz?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Salvador is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Salvador or La Paz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and La Paz. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Salvador is generally cooler than La Pazin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than La Pazin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Salvador or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as La Paz. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Salvador is around the same temperature as La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the autumn, Salvador often gets less sunshine than La Pazin October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than La Pazin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Salvador or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Salvador is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in La Paz. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than La Pazin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Salvador or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.
In October, Salvador is generally a little warmer than La Pazin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than La Pazin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than La Pazin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Salvador
| Salvador | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.