A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Salvador vs. Manaus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salvador or Manaus?

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

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

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.

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Manaus 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 $53, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $68. 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 Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    Manaus $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Manaus? 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 Manaus


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 Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.98
    Manaus $7.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.16

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 APT-HTL(SSA): $92
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $290
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $79
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $155
  • Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $50
  • Transfer in Salvador: $179
  • Transfer and return from DE Airport to Hotels in Salvador: $56
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $99
  • Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $40
  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $240
  • Transfer Salvador and North Bayano Coast: $99
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • 24-hour airport to hotel transfer in Manaus: $18
  • 24-hour transfer from airport to hotel in Manaus: $17
  • Manaus Airport: 1-Hour Shared Transfer to Manaus Hotels: $46
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $60
  • Manaus to Manaus Airport (MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • One Way Shared Transfer from hotels to Manaus airport: $49
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $107
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer Service Available in the City of Manaus: $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Manaus?

Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 $22
    Manaus $21
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Enjoy before flying: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
  • 4h Cooking Class in Salvador with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $65
  • 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, fun hands on experience with caips: $70
  • Traditional Moqueca Cooking Class: $75
  • Savour Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $75
  • Bahia Bites Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $79
  • Bahia Bites Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $80
  • Brazilian Cooking Class with Unlimited Caipirinhas: $89
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $105
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $119
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Show and Dinner: $124

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour: $70
  • Regional Food Tour with Tasting of Typical Dishes: $93
  • Dinner with Boi-Bumbá Show and Transfers: $117
  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $120
  • Amazonian Food Tour with Local Guide: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.64
    Manaus -

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times: $139
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking: $33
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $155
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $180
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $89
  • Beach Daytour to Praia do Forte, get to know the Coconut Coast: $128
  • Beyond a Night Tour: An Autentic Bar Experience in Salvador: $22
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $220
  • City Tour Salvador Historica: $20
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $20

Tours and Activities in Manaus

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

  • Walking Tours in Manaus: $30
  • Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Half-Day City Tour: $56
  • Guided Walking Tour with Museum Entry: $58
  • Manaus City Tour e Musa: $65
  • Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $65
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $65
  • The Heart of the Amazon in One Day (The Most Complete Tour): $70
  • Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $74
  • Private Tour in Science Forest and Amazonas Theater: $75
  • Presidente Figueiredo One Day Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.35
    Manaus $2.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.36
  • Drinks
    $2.72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Manaus, we can see that Manaus 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 Manaus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manaus 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 Manaus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Manaus?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Manaus. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Manaus, 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 Manaus?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Salvador or Manaus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Manaus. Many visitors come to Salvador in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Manaus. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Manaus. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Manaus. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to February in Salvador is the dry season. March to August in Salvador is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Manaus 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Manaus in the Autumn?

Both Manaus and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salvador for the shopping scene during these months.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manaus. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Manaus in the Winter?

Both Manaus and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Salvador because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Salvador is cooler than Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Manaus, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Manaus. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Manaus. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. September to February is the dry season in Salvador. March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Manaus in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Manaus. The beaches are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.

In October, Salvador is generally cooler than Manaus. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manaus. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Manaus 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manaus and Salvador

Salvador Manaus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in)