Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Salvador or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or San Juan, 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.
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Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $51San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $23San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $46San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Salvador and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.78San Juan $14
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$1.13
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 San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- Premium Transfer in Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise: $25
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port Roundtrip Servic: $109
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $115
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ceiba Ferry: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
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Food Meals for one daySalvador $21San Juan $62
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$1.31
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 San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.45San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Discover Superb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $23
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Local Certified Guide: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $32
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – VIP SmallGroup Tour: $45
- Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.17San Juan $12
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$1.31
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Drinks$2.63
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or San Juan?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the summer, Salvador is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets less sunshine than San Juanin July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than San Juanin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Salvador or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and San Juan. Most visitors come to Salvador for the shopping scene during these months. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as San Juanin October. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan 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 San Juanin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as San Juan. The winter months attract visitors to Salvador because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than San Juanin January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than San Juanin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Salvador or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan 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. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Salvador is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than San Juanin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Salvador
| Salvador | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.