Which place is cheaper, Cairns 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.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Cairns?
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 Cairns can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Cairns?
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.
Cairns
Most travelers go to Cairns specifically to visit Great Barrier Reef. The city itself is surprisingly large and cosmopolitan with a population of approximately 140,000. The city's economy is almost exclusively based on tourism, although you will find some jobs centered around agriculture, or more specifically sugar cane, bananas, coffee, tea, wine, and some tropical fruits. The city itself is surrounded by rainforest and makes a great base for exploring Kuranda, with the Barron Gorge National Park and the Daintree offering a quieter tropical getaway than Cairns.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesCairns Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Cairns $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Cairns is $116. 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 Cairns in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Cairns $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Cairns $86
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Cairns
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Cairns? 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.
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 Cairns Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Cairns $12
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairns
Also for Cairns, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Port Douglas Cairns (RETURN TRIP) Private Transfer 1 to 6: $344
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with Transfers: $327
- Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Private Transfer With Return : $267
- Luxury Van, Private Transfer, Cairns Airport - Port Douglas.: $258
- Cairns to Daintree Eco Lodge ONE WAY Private Transfer 6 pax: $255
- Outer Barrier Reef Full Day with transfers from Cairns: $244
- Premium Van, Private Transfer, Cairns Airport - Port Douglas.: $234
- Cairns Airport (CNS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Port Douglas Hotel or Address): $230
- Cairns Airport (CNS) to Port Douglas - Arrival Private Transfer: $189
- Cairns Airport (CNS): Transfer to Port Douglas hotels: $184
- Private Transfer from Cairns Cruise Port to Port Douglas hotels: $180
- Cairns to Port Douglas ONE WAY Private Transfer 6 pax: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Cairns?
Prices for flights to both Cairns 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
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $33Cairns $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairns
For Cairns, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour with optional 3 Course Dinner : $66
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour with optional 2 Course Dinner: $66
- Dinner Cruise Experience: $92
- Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise: $93
- Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $96
- Aquarium Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $118
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour with 3 Course Dinner in Cairns: $124
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour with 2 Course Dinner in Cairns: $124
- City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise: $171
- Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise: $174
- Paronella Park Rainforest Full-Day Tour with Dinner: $66,130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Cairns $37
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 Cairns
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cairns's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Scuba Diving$36
Tours and Activities in Cairns
For Cairns, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket (BNP): $47
- 1 Hour Jetski Tour Cairns: $134
- 2 Days Tour on Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribbin: $288
- 2-Day Daintree & Outback Tour from Cairns & Port Douglas: $261
- 2-Day Paronella Park & Tablelands Tour+Cape Tribulation Tour: $324
- 2-Day Waterfall and Daintree Tour: $191
- 30 min Jetski Tour Cairns: $74
- All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef: $168
- All Inclusive Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns : $120
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour in the heart of Cairns: $65
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour in the heart of Cairns: $65
- Atherton Tablelands: Lakes, Waterfalls, Rainforest Day Tour: $112
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Cairns $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairns
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cairns:
- Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl Night Out Experience: $44
- From Atherton Tablelands Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Cairns, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Cairns much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Cairns 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 Cairns would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairns 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 Cairns.
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 Cairns Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Cairns?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Cairns, 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 Cairns?
Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Cairns 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cairns in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Cairns. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Cairns. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Cairns 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cairns in the Winter?
Both Cairns 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 travelers come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Cairns 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cairns in the Spring?
Both Cairns 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, many visitors come to Cairns in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Cairns 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Cairns and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Cairns | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 429 mm (16.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 469 mm (18.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 471 mm (18.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 273 mm (10.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.