Which place is cheaper, Liberia or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Liberia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Liberia, 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 Liberia?
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.
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Liberia $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Liberia $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Liberia
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Liberia? 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 Liberia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Liberia $43
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Airport transfer Liberia from and to Tamarindo (One way) : $113
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Departure Private Transfer Arenal to San Jose Airport by Minivan: $177
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service: $62
- Guanacaste Airport Transfer to Playa Tamarindo: $105
- Guanacaste Airport: Transfer to/from Papagayo Hyatt Hotel: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) Peñas Blancas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco / Monteverde - Round-Trip Transfer : $179
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco/Monteverde Arrival Private Transfer: $89
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Liberia?
Prices for flights to both Liberia 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 $13Liberia $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 Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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Ginger Ale$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
- Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Liberia $25
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 Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
- Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
- Zip-line Adventure: $53
- Horseback Riding Tour: $59
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Liberia $13
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 Liberia, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Liberia?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Liberia, 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 Liberia?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or Liberia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Liberia. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Salvador is around the same temperature as Liberia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Liberia averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Liberia during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than Liberiain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Liberia 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Liberia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Liberia. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.
In April, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Liberiain October. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Liberiain October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Liberia. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Liberiain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Liberia in the Winter?
Both Liberia and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Salvador is cooler than Liberia in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Liberia. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Liberia during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Liberiain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Liberia 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Liberia in the Spring?
Both Liberia and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
In the spring, Salvador is cooler than Liberia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Liberia averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Liberiain April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Liberiain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Liberia 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Liberia and Salvador
| Salvador | Liberia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.