A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dar es Salaam vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Alexandria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Alexandria?

Dar es Salaam

Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Dar es Salaam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $460, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 Dar es Salaam and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $434
    Alexandria $7.99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $868
    Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Alexandria? 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 Dar es Salaam


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Alexandria $2.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer from JNIA Airport to Hotels in Dar essalaam: $55
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
  • Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Luxury Coach - Dar Es Salaam Airport Transfer to the City Centre/Out ( 22 max): $113
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $73
  • Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam Airport DAR to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Car: $167
  • Sunset Cruise - Magic of Zanzibar Sunset With Transfer - Zanzibar: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $243
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Dar es Salaam 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
    Dar es Salaam $18
    Alexandria $6.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
  • Swahili food Cooking Experience: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Alexandria $3.50

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $25
  • WOW AFRICA TANZANIA EAST AFRICA TOUR.: $35
  • City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $41
  • City Historical Walking Tour And Street Food.: $41
  • Guided Dar es salaam walking tours: $43
  • Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $46
  • Dar es salaam City Tour & Storytelling: $72
  • Spice tour & Stone Town Zanzibar secrets with Lunch - Zanzibar: $75
  • City Tour: $77
  • Dar es salaam full City tour , unforgettable memory: $77
  • Tanzania Private Swahili culture experience: $80
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $85

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
  • National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $174
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $78
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.66
    Alexandria $1.35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Alexandria, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Alexandria, 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 Dar es Salaam or Alexandria?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Alexandria. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Dar es Salaam during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Alexandria averages at about 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)