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

Should you visit Salvador or Lima?

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

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

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Salvador?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $45, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $25
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $50
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.15
    Lima $5.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $24
  • Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $25
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $25
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $25
  • Transfer Hotel Litoral Norte / Salvador Airport: $25
  • Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $25
  • Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $29
  • Private Transfer from Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port to Salvador : $30
  • Private Transfer from Salvador to Salvador de Bahia Cruise Port: $30
  • Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
  • Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
  • From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $50
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
  • LIMA CAR TRANSFER - Private Service: $29
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Lima Airport Departure Transfer: $20
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Car: $28
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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
    Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.40

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
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $104
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $130
  • Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $156
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.36
  • Ice cream
    $3.54
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $37
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • 3-dish Peruvian Cooking Experience + Pisco Sour Making: $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour & Exotic Fruits: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.80
    Lima $8.69

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • Salvador, Pelourinho: Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Salvador, Vitória & Barra: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $8.02
  • 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: $23
  • Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo: $25
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $25
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
  • Lima Historic Center Walking Tour: $8.00
  • bike tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • Half-Day City Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $25
  • Coffee tasting experience at Terrua Cafe: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.51
    Lima $5.65
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.40
  • Drinks
    $2.80

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: $72

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.32
  • Beer
    $4.08
  • Cocktail
    $3.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $18
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Lima?

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

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

Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Salvador is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 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 Limain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Autumn?

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

In April, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Limain October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Winter?

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

Salvador is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Limain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Salvador is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Limain April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Salvador

Salvador Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)