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El Salvador is a diverse country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to help you plan your adventure which includes average costs from fellow travelers, hotel rates, food prices, entertainment and sightseeing costs, and transportation, too. It's everything you need to budget wisely and still have an unforgettable time.
How much does it cost to travel to El Salvador?
A typical traveler spends $48 per day on a trip to El Salvador. This is the average daily price for a vacation in El Salvador based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $22 on meals
- $6.94 on local transportation
- $19 on hotels
A one-week trip to El Salvador for two people costs, on average, $672. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per day$48
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One Week Per person$336
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2 Weeks Per person$672
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One Month Per person$1,440
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One Week For a couple$672
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2 Weeks For a couple$1,344
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One Month For a couple$2,880
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to El Salvador cost?
A one week trip to El Salvador usually costs around $336 for one person and $672 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to El Salvador on average costs around $672 for one person and $1,344 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in El Salvador will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to El Salvador on average costs around $1,440 for one person and $2,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
How much do package tours cost in El Salvador?
Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.
The average price for an organized tour package in El Salvador is $215 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is El Salvador expensive to visit?
El Salvador is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Central America, El Salvador is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as El Salvador.
In El Salvador, budget travelers spend $19 per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $48 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $119 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to El Salvador.
With a wide selection of accommodation and activities, El Salvador makes it easy for any traveler to find something that fits their budget. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.
El Salvador can cost as much as you want, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can save you money.
For more details, see Is El Salvador Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to El Salvador?
The average El Salvador trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these El Salvador travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to El Salvador cost?
El Salvador on a Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$4.07 | $9.62 | $20 |
| Local Transportation1 | $2.66 | $6.94 | $19 |
| Food2 | $8.74 | $22 | $59 |
| Entertainment1 | $15 | $36 | $86 |
| Alcohol2 | $4-12 | $12-35 | $37-112 |
From real travelers - How these numbers are calculated
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit El Salvador on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore El Salvador for just $19 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
So, are you average?
Mid-range hotels, well-known restaurants, and visits to museums and attractions with entry fees are common choices for families or couples traveling on vacation. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. Most of these activities cost money, after all, so it's wise to plan for a budget closer to $48 per person each day.
In El Salvador, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Concepcion de Ataco, Suchitoto, and San Salvador offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Casa Degraciela Hotel Boutique in Concepcion de Ataco or Los Almendros de San Lorenzo in Suchitoto. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for El Salvador here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with top-tier service, be prepared for a daily price around $119. Staying in luxury hotels, dining at fine restaurants, indulging in high-end excursions, and hiring private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket. You'll find yourself vacationing among the elite in destinations like the major cities and resort areas. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Private Guatemala and El Salvador Holiday, Daily Start & Exclusive Car - offered by Agate Travel.
Accommodation Budget in El Salvador
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in El Salvador can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in El Salvador for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $19. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $9.62 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
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Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person$9.62
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Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room$19
Hotels in El Salvador
Looking for a hotel in El Salvador? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Recommended Properties
Local Transportation Budget in El Salvador
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $6.94 per person, per day, on local transportation in El Salvador. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in El Salvador is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.$6.94
Local Transportation Tips
El Salvador generally has limited options for public transportation. You should plan to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. However, this may cut into your overall trip budget.
Recommended Services
Food Budget in El Salvador
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in El Salvador can vary significantly, the average cost of food in El Salvador is $22 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2 Meals for one day$22
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in El Salvador is about $22 ($22) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $9 to $59 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in El Salvador are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $18
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Food & Dining Tips
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in El Salvador, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
Recommended
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in El Salvador
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in El Salvador typically cost an average of $36 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.$36
Sightseeing Tips
A nice way to explore destinations in El Salvador is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Santa Ana Volcano Tour: Beat the Crowds on an Early Morning Hike! For $77 details
- Ruta Flores Tour Full Experience:Albania Cafe, Ataco, Hot Springs for $110 details
- Birdwatching Tours in El Salvador with Expert Biologist Guide for $95 details
- Adventure Tour: Santa Ana Volcano Hike & Coatepeque Lake for $95 details
Recommended Activities
Nightlife Budget in El Salvador
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $23 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in El Salvador per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2 Drinks for one day$23
Nightlife Tips
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Budgeting and Travel Tips
- El Salvador is a popular destination for tourists and the prices can climb dramatically during the peak season. Most places in El Salvador see the biggest crowds during the winter season. Hotels fill up and accommodation prices become more expensive during this time of the year. If you want to keep your budget low, then it's better to visit during the shoulder and low seasons.
Budgeting Challenges
- El Salvador has a limited number of hostels, so if you're a backpacker hoping to find a cheap dorm, you may be in for an unexpected surprise.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
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.