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

Should you visit Salvador or San Pedro?

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

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

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 Pedro

San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Pedro 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 $51, while the average daily cost in San Pedro is $163. 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 Pedro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    San Pedro $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    San Pedro $132
Compare Hotels in Salvador and San Pedro

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or San Pedro? 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 Pedro


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 $5.78
    San Pedro $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
  • Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $15
  • Shared Transfer - North Coast: $21
  • Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $22
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $22
  • Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $23
  • Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
  • Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $35
  • Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:

  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or San Pedro?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro 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 $21
    San Pedro $69
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
  • Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro

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

  • Maya Sunset Dinner Feast: $49
  • The Maya Dinner Experience: Season 2: $111
  • The Garifuna Dinner Experience: Season I: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    San Pedro $33

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $4.48
  • Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $22
  • Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $22
  • Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historical Salvador City Tour: $26
  • Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in San Pedro

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:

  • The Maya Brunch Experience: $44
  • 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $59
  • Haunted Tales of the Maya: Cocktail | Dessert Experience: $66
  • Ambergris Caye Food and History Tour: $75
  • Half Day Snorkeling Tour Caye Caulker: $80
  • Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $85
  • Belizean Food Experience: $87
  • San Pedro Local Diving Experience : $97
  • Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $99
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $99
  • Caye Caulker Private Camping Adventure: $100
  • Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    San Pedro $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

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


  • Beers for 2
    $1.31
  • Drinks
    $2.63


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


Which is Bigger, Salvador or San Pedro?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and San Pedro, 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 Pedro?

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

Should I visit Salvador or San Pedro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and San Pedro. The summer months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as San Pedroin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and San Pedro fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Pedro this time of the year. In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than San Pedro during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 226 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Pedro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than San Pedroin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    San Pedro 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or San Pedro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as San Pedro. The shopping scene are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro throughout the year.

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

In the autumn, Salvador often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Pedroin October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 196 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Pedro. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than San Pedroin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Salvador or San Pedro in the Winter?

Both San Pedro and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Salvador is around the same temperature as San Pedro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Pedro averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

Salvador usually receives less sunshine than San Pedro during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 199 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than San Pedroin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    San Pedro 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Salvador or San Pedro in the Spring?

Both San Pedro and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salvador in the spring for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Pedro year-round.

In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as San Pedroin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and San Pedro fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In San Pedro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than San Pedroin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than San Pedroin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    San Pedro 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Pedro and Salvador

Salvador San Pedro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)