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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Bergen?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Bergen?

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.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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 Bergen is $155. 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 Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Bergen $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Bergen $160
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Bergen

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


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 Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Bergen $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $273
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $224
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $214
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $208
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $208
  • Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $185
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $166
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minivan: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $144
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $128
  • Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport and City: $114

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

Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
    Bergen $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

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

  • Bergen Food Tour: $183
  • A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Bergen $19

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

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Bergen: $83
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $164
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $166
  • Authentic Bergen Interactive Private Walking Tour: $272
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen Guided City Walk: $202
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $120
  • Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Live Guide: $92
  • Bergen Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Bergen in Your Pocket: Landmarks and Lore Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bergen to Flam "The King of Fjords" One-Way or Round-Trip Cruise Ticket: $211
  • Bergen's Twilight Magic: An Evening Adventure Walking tour: $168
  • Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Bergen $8.12


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

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 Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Bergen?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Bergen. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Bergen. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

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

Both Bergen 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. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Bergen. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)