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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Dar es Salaam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $245. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Amsterdam $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Amsterdam $238
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam

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


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.72
  • Renting a Bike
    $17
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.03
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $465
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $337
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, 2h stop De Haar Castle: $298
  • Schiphol Airport Taxi Transfer | Amsterdam: $296
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $296
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $284
  • Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $277
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $273
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $266
  • Private Car Round-trip Transfer Amsterdam to Keukenhof Tulips: $266
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h stop in The Hague: $265
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $264

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

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 $31
    Amsterdam $93

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
  • Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $89
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $89
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $95
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $105
  • Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $108
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Amsterdam $42

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
  • Visit Sinda island with Samrun Marine Tours: $50
  • Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
  • Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $90
  • Jozani forest, Salaam Cave & The Rock Restaurant Tour in Zanzibar: $95
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.98
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • 1 Hour Iconic Canal Belt Cruise: $69
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $118
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $15
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $178
  • 2 Countries in 1 Day: Cologne Day Tour from Amsterdam: $236
  • 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $231
  • 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $107
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $53
  • 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
  • 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $284
  • 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Red Light District Bar Crawl: $24
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $32
  • Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $101
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam.

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 Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Amsterdam?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dar es Salaam experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

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

Both Amsterdam 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. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

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

Both Amsterdam 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)