A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Sao Paulo vs. Salvador for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Salvador?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Salvador, 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: Sao Paulo or Salvador?

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Salvador or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $42, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $35. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sao Paulo and Salvador in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $24
    Salvador $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $48
    Salvador $38
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Salvador

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Salvador? 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 Sao Paulo


Hotels in Salvador


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $4.73
    Salvador $4.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Airport Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to GRU International Airport: $50
  • CGH Airport transfer Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Creative & Natural Transfer São Paulo-Paraty: $375
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU by Standard Car: $43
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $82
  • Departure Private Transfer São Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $77
  • Guarulhos International Airport Transfer: $100
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Guarulhos City - One Way: $122
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to São Paulo City - One Way: $122
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Sao Paulo-Guarulhos Int. Airport (GRU): $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo-Guarulhos Int. Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Sao Paulo: $22

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:

  • Private One Way Airport Transfer - Morro de São Paulo: $366
  • Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Lençois (Chapada Diamantina) to / from Salvador BA: $280
  • Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $200
  • Private Transfer from Salvador to Boipeba Round Trip: $170
  • Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
  • Private Transfer from/to Salvador Airport From/to Grand Palladium Imbassai: $115
  • Grand Palladium Imbassai Private Transfer 4 to 12 Pax: $114
  • Iberostar Praia do Forte or Bahia Private Transfer 4 to 12 Pax: $107
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $106
  • Praia do Forte Private Transfer From Salvador: $103
  • Morro de São Paulo Shared Transfer From/To Salvador: $100
  • Round Trip Transfer Salvador Airport to Hotels: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Salvador?

Prices for flights to both Salvador and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $12
    Salvador $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Sao Paulo - Pinheiros Gourmet Food Tour (4 hours tour + 3 dishes included): $45
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $79
  • Cooking Class in São Paulo: $268
  • Private Food Tour in São Paulo: $278

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.

  • Pelourinho By Night - Dinner & Show: $70
  • Pelourinho By Night With Folkloric Show and Dinner: $80
  • Private Tour to Cultural Show and Dinner in Salvador: $80
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $85
  • Private Cooking Experience in Salvador: $100
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $114
  • Bahia By Night Dinner and Dance Show Ticket: $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.24
    Salvador $4.55

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

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

  • Downtown São Paulo: An audio tour tracing the city's epic history: $5.00
  • Virtual Live Tour of Sao Paulo Graffiti Hosted by Artist: $25
  • Street art is not for lazy tourists :P: $25
  • São Paulo Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $31
  • Paulista Avenue Walking Tour: $31
  • Private São Paulo Historic Center Walking Tour: $45
  • Small Group Highlights Tour in São Paulo: $49
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $50
  • Alternative City Tour: $50
  • Rain Forest Trail - Cantareira Natural Park day tour from São Paulo: $58
  • Embu das Artes Largest Handicraft Fair Tour from São Paulo: $58

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • 4-Days Experience at Salvador de Bahia, Savour the cultural fusion - Brasil: $690
  • 8h City Tour of Salvador da Bahia: $80
  • African historical walking tour 03 hours: $90
  • Beaches North Coast 2 tours with overnight hotel Coconut Coast experience: $509
  • Best Value Full Day Sightseeing Tour Salvador the first Capital of Brazil: $104
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $110
  • Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
  • Candomblé Ceremony Private Tour from Salvador: $70
  • Chapada Diamantina Adventure: $2,898
  • Costa de Camaçari 3 days 2 night, beach, tour, hotel, meals, guide: $477
  • Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $136
  • Discover the Ancient Deities of Brazil's Candomblé (Online Experience): $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $2.82
    Salvador $6.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $69

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

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Salvador?

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 Sao Paulo or Salvador in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Salvador.

Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Salvador in the summer. The temperature in Sao Paulo is usually 25°C (77°F) in January, and Salvador stays around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Salvador. Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Salvador. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Salvador 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Salvador in the Autumn?

Both Salvador and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Sao Paulo is cooler than Salvador. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April are around 22°C (72°F), and Salvador is about 26°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Salvador. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Salvador in the Winter?

Both Salvador and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit.

In July, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Salvador. Temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Salvador stays around 24°C (75°F).

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Salvador 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Salvador in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Salvador.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Salvador in the spring. The temperature in Sao Paulo is usually 21°C (70°F) in October, and Salvador stays around 26°C (78°F).

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Salvador. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Salvador and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Salvador
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)


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