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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Bali?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Bali?

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.

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Bali 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 Bali is $85. 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 Bali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Bali $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Bali $80
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Bali

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


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 Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Bali $8.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • 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
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

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


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $115
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $69
  • All Inclusive Batur Sunrise Treking Guide Ticket And Transfer : $60
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
  • Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Uluwatu & South Kuta: $31

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

Prices for flights to both Bali 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
    Bali $34

Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $65
  • Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
  • Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Bali $10

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: $34
  • Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
  • 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
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
  • Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $37
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • Ubud Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $45
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
  • Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
  • Bali ATV Adventure: $61
  • Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Snorkeling Tour: $99
  • Bali Benoa Shore Excursion for Cruise's Passenger - All Inclusive: $49
  • Bali Instagram Tour : The Most Popular Spots In Bali: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Bali $3.07


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

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 Bali Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Bali?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Bali, 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 Bali?

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 Bali in the Summer?

Both Bali and Dar es Salaam during the summer 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 Bali year-round.

April to September is the dry season in Bali. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali 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 Bali during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

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

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

October to March in Bali is the rainy season. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Bali 26°C (79°F)

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

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

The dry season in Bali is April to September. It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Bali. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Bali. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Bali during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Bali and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Bali
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)