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

Should you visit Salvador or San Fernando?

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

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

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.

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, San Fernando or Salvador?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, while the average daily cost in San Fernando is $153. 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 San Fernando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    San Fernando $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    San Fernando $148
Compare Hotels in Salvador and San Fernando

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or San Fernando? 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 San Fernando


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.02
    San Fernando $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
  • Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $150
  • Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
  • Transfer in Salvador: $140
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $136
  • 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
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or San Fernando?

Prices for flights to both San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $48
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.67
    San Fernando $28

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
  • 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: $140
  • Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
  • Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
  • Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.38
    San Fernando $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.37
  • Drinks
    $2.74


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


Which is Bigger, Salvador or San Fernando?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and San Fernando, 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 San Fernando?

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

Should I visit Salvador or San Fernando in the Summer?

Both San Fernando and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.

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

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than San Fernandoin July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 206 hours of full sun.

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than San Fernandoin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salvador or San Fernando in the Autumn?

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

Salvador is around the same temperature as San Fernando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than San Fernando during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than San Fernandoin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salvador or San Fernando in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as San Fernando. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year.

In the winter, Salvador is around the same temperature as San Fernando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Fernando averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than San Fernandoin January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 241 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than San Fernandoin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Salvador or San Fernando in the Spring?

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

In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as San Fernandoin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Fernando during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 238 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than San Fernandoin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for San Fernando and Salvador

Salvador San Fernando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)