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

Should you visit Salvador or Valdivia?

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

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

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia 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 Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $24
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $48
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia


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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.02
    Valdivia $8.08
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): $299
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $280
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $157
  • Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $146
  • Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
  • Transfer in Salvador: $137
  • Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
  • Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
  • Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $126
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

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

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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
    Valdivia $21
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 Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $130
  • Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $150
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.67
    Valdivia $13

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
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $100
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $141
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
  • Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $60
  • Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
  • City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $137
  • Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $129
  • 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: $108

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

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

  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.38
    Valdivia $4.79
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

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


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


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Valdivia?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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 Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Salvador is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Valdivia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Valdivia. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Valdivia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Valdivia.

In April, Salvador is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Valdivia 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 Valdivia. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Valdivia.

Salvador is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets less rain in July than Valdivia. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Valdivia in the Spring?

Both Valdivia and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Salvador is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valdivia. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Salvador

Salvador Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)