Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Punta Arenas $1.80
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:
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $299
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $284
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $156
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $146
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Private Transfer from Salvador International Airport to Salvador: $110
- Transfer Morro de Sao Paulo round trip: $107
- Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $71
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ): $71
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
- Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ): $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $13Punta Arenas $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 Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $136
- Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $130
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $151
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
- Fort Beach Tour and Tamar Project: $107
- Full City Tour Historic and Panoramic: $140
- Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $21
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Half day traditional City Tour: $50
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Punta Arenas $4.86
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
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: $105
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Punta Arenas?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit.
Salvador is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Punta Arenas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySalvador 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Punta Arenas.
In the autumn, Salvador is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSalvador 26°C (80°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Punta Arenas.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In July, Salvador is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In the winter, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySalvador 24°C (75°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Salvador is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSalvador 26°C (78°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Salvador
| Salvador | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.