Which place is cheaper, Salvador or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Salvador $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Salvador is $44. 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 Sao Paulo and Salvador in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Salvador $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Salvador $48
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Salvador $6.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $300
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $124
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $62
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $124
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) Sao Paulo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $121
- Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $142
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
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$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $299
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $284
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $156
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $146
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $132
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Private Transfer from Salvador International Airport to Salvador: $110
- Transfer Morro de Sao Paulo round trip: $107
- Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $97
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
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Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15Salvador $13
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:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
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$1.37
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
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Salvador $5.67
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
- Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour (2,5hr Food included): $53
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $53
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $136
- Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $130
- 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: $107
- Full City Tour Historic and Panoramic: $140
- Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Salvador $5.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $97
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $181
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$1.37
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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 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Salvador Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Salvador?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Salvador. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Salvador, 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 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 daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Salvador fluctuates 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao 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 average around 22°C (72°F), and Salvador averages at 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao 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. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Salvador fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao 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 daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Salvador fluctuates 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao 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) |
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.