Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Mazatlan $21
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:
- Airport Transfer - Sauipe Resorts 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $32
- Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $80
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
- One Way transfer : Salvador airport to/ from Salvador da Bahia : $43
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
- Praia do Forte Private Transfer From Salvador : $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $13Mazatlan $34
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 Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Mazatlan $9.59
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 Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Mazatlan $18
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 Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Mazatlan?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlanin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Mazatlan. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In the winter, Salvador is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Mazatlan. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.
In October, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Mazatlanin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan 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)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Salvador
| Salvador | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.