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

Should you visit Salvador or Ushuaia?

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

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

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.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia is $0.00. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    Ushuaia -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    Ushuaia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Ushuaia

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia


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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.78
    Ushuaia -
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:

  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $272
  • Private Transfer from/to Salvador Airport From/to Grand Palladium Imbassai: $180
  • Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $180
  • Transfer in Salvador: $172
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $146
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $135
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport to Hotel by Minivan: $130
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $126
  • Transfer Iberostar Bahia / Praia do Forte Private Executive Van: $115
  • Salvador Airport SSA to Praia do Forte-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $110
  • Salvador de Bahia: Private Round-Trip Airport–Hotel Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia

Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Calafate: Airport Transfer: $12
  • Low Cost Esmeralda Lagoon Round Trip Transfer: $30
  • Low Cost Ushuaia Transfer from/to the airport: $16
  • Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers: $116
  • Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $160
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $62
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $62
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Port to Ushuaia Airport (USH): $22
  • Private Transfer to Cerro Castor from Ushuaia: $60
  • Private Transfer to Ushuaia Airport (USH): $17
  • Round Trip Transfer from the Airport to Ushuaia Hotels: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Ushuaia?

Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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
    Ushuaia -
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 Ushuaia

For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Adventure and Snow Moto + Buffet Lunch or Pizza Rodizio + Transfer: $96
  • Beaver Sighting with Dinner off Lake Fagnano: $170
  • Ushuaia City Tour: Vespertine Tour with Dinner: $189
  • Snowmobile + Snowshoeing + Huskies + Skiing + Lunch or Pizza Buffet: $195
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
  • Discovering Lakes Escondido and Fagnano with sunset dinner: $210
  • Puerto Almanza and Punta Paraná Tour with Dinner: $210
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park: vespertine tour with dinner: $210
  • Snow and Fire with Dinner in Firepit, Sledge Ride and Snowmobile: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    Ushuaia -

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: $140
  • "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times : $143
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking : $39
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $146
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $90
  • Brazil Tropical Fruit Tour in Salvador local farmer's market: $49
  • Brazilian Tasting experience Amazing Foods of Salvador da Bahia: $75
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $190
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • City Tour in Salvador to meet Brazil’s first capital: $174

Tours and Activities in Ushuaia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.

  • Panoramic City Train Tour: $20
  • Guided Tour of the City of Ushuaia: $21
  • Double-Decker Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Exploring Double Decker Bus Tour: $28
  • CITY TOUR USHUAIA+ MARTIAL GLACIER RESERVE VISIT: $28
  • City Tour Ushuaia: $30
  • USHUAIA | City Tour + Martial Glacier Reserve: $36
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour: $50
  • LANDSCAPES AND DELIGHTS - CITY TOUR: $50
  • End of the World Train Ticket: $55
  • Urban Walking Tour with Yatana Forest Historic Site Visit: $55
  • Experience in the Classic National Park in Ushuaia: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    Ushuaia -
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ushuaia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ushuaia:

  • Photo tour and Wine Tasting in Ushuaia City: $115
  • City tour and Wine tasting: $115


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Ushuaia, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Salvador would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salvador than you might in Ushuaia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Ushuaia?

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

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 Ushuaia in the Summer?

Both Ushuaia and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salvador in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salvador is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Ushuaia. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Ushuaia. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. September to February is the dry season in Salvador. March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ushuaia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Ushuaia. Most visitors come to Salvador for the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Salvador is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 74 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 Ushuaia. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ushuaia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Ushuaia. The winter months attract visitors to Salvador because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ushuaia in the winter. Salvador is much warmer than Ushuaia in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Ushuaia. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Ushuaia. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to February in Salvador is the dry season. March to August in Salvador is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Ushuaia in the Spring?

Both Ushuaia and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.

In the spring, Salvador is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Salvador

Salvador Ushuaia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (46°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 4°C (39°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)