Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $13Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Playa del Carmen $17
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 Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Playa del Carmen $21
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 Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Playa del Carmen?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Salvador or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmenin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Playa del Carmen. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmenin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 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 Playa del Carmenin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen 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)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Playa del Carmen. Additionally, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Carmenin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Salvador
| Salvador | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°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.