Which place is cheaper, Lima or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Salvador or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $51Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $23Lima $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $46Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.78Lima $6.06
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:
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $15
- Shared Transfer - North Coast: $21
- Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $22
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $22
- Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $23
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $35
- Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $22
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Lima Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 daySalvador $21Lima $32
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.59
-
Ice cream$3.73
-
Coffee$3.15
-
Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.45Lima $9.15
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): $4.48
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
- City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $22
- Salvador Panoramic City 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
- Historical Salvador City Tour: $26
- Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
-
Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.17Lima $5.95
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.71
-
Beer$4.30
-
Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salvador. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Lima, 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 Lima?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Lima. Many travelers come to Salvador for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Salvador is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.
In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Limain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Lima. Many visitors come to Salvador in the autumn for the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In April, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Limain October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Limain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the spring, Salvador is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Limain April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Salvador
| Salvador | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.