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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Auckland?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Auckland?

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.

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland 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 $493, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. 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 Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Auckland $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Auckland $198
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Auckland

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


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 Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Auckland $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
  • Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180
  • Private Airport Transfers and Tours: $168
  • Private Luxury Transfer To/Fr City in Mercedes Van: $162
  • Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Hamilton/Rotorua: $162
  • Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
  • Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $152
  • Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $150
  • Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $144

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

Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $33
    Auckland $46

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

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

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Auckland $27

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
  • Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
  • Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $96
  • Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $270
  • Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $198
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $249
  • 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
  • 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $78
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $174
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $155
  • Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $117
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Auckland $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


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

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 Auckland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Auckland?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Aucklandin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Auckland. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Aucklandin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

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

Both Auckland and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Auckland and Dar es Salaam during the spring 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. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin October. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)