Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz de la Sierra or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Salvador or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
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.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, or simply Santa Cruz, is a larger city in the middle of Bolivia. It is also one of the most wealthy cities in the country. The city is also one of the fastest growing in the world. It is famous for its nightlife and it makes an excellent base for exploring many of the tourist attractions in the nearby areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bolivia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia.
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Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesSanta Cruz de la Sierra Prices
Bolivia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $51Santa Cruz de la Sierra $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is $68. 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $23Santa Cruz de la Sierra $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $46Santa Cruz de la Sierra $44
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Santa Cruz de la Sierra? 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.78Santa Cruz de la Sierra $9.90
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$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $135
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
- Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $89
- Iberostar Bahia, Roundtrip Transfers: $101
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
- Praia do Forte to Salvador Airport SSA-Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Airport Transfer to Salvador – Sedan for Up to 3 People: $60
- Private Roundtrip Transfer Between Airport and Hotel (COVID-19 Prepared): $65
- Private Transfer Airport and hotels Litoral Norte BA: $77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
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Taxi Ride$4.34
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Mini Bus$0.58
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 $21Santa Cruz de la Sierra $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$1.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $86
- 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: $96
- 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
- Cooking Class with Top Chef Solange Borges @ Pousada Rancho Fundo: $226
Typical Food Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
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Snacks$3.18
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Chips$0.29
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Banana$0.14
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Cookies$1.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
- Guided Street Food Tour: Santa Cruz de la Sierra: $10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.45Santa Cruz de la Sierra $19
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): $4.51
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
- City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $22
- Salvador Historical City Center 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
- Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26
- Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $26
Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Here are a few actual costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking tour - A journey through the History of Santa Cruz: $11
- Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour: $49
- Santa Cruz: Wildlife Sanctuary and Preservation Park Tour: $85
- Day Tour Jardin de las Delicias: $99
- DayTour Refugio los volcanos View point/El Fuerte &Samaipata: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.17Santa Cruz de la Sierra $14
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$1.31
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Drinks$2.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Cruz de la Sierra from other travelers:
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Beer$1.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Also in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bolivia: Bolivian Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Board: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, we can see that Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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.
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.