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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Cairo?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Cairo?

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.

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Cairo 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 $477, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $20. 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 Cairo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $437
    Cairo $8.84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $874
    Cairo $18
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Cairo

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


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 Cairo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Cairo $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • 1 Day Classic Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
  • Classic Day trip: Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
  • Dar Es Salaam - Airport Transfers & City Centre Shuttles: $50
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour. All Must See Things (private Guide And Transfer) 9 Hrs : $190
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
  • Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train : $60
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
  • Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar: Airport Transfer to the Hotel: $70
  • 1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $356
  • 1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $380
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,170
  • From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer & Flights: $791
  • From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $305
  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Full-Day Private Trip to Fayoum from Cairo, with Transfer: $286
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
  • Cairo To El Gouna Private Transfer: $275
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Int Airport (CAI) to Port Said Port: $273
  • Private Transfer from Cairo City Hotels to Port Said Cruise Port: $273
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $255
  • PrivateTransfer from Cairo Airport(CAI) to Suez Canal Cruise Port: $253

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

Prices for flights to both Cairo 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 $32
    Cairo $7.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Taste of Tanzania Cooking Class and Food Tour: $20
  • Tanzania: traditional Swahili cooking class: $45
  • Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98

Typical Food Prices in Cairo

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


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.50
  • Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $6.21
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $6.21
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $6.30
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour : $6.75
  • Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $7.12
  • Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.20
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.10
  • VIP tour Giza pyramids Sphinx Quad bike Camel Dinner cruise : $9.00
  • Giza Pyramids, Sphinx Quad ATV Shopping Tour Nile Dinner Cruise: $9.00
  • Giza Pyramids ,Civilization museum ,Dinner Cruise ,Camel ride and Quad Ride: $9.00
  • VIP Private Tour Giza Pyramids Nile Dinner Cruise Pyramid Inside: $9.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Cairo $5.43

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 City Center: Walking Tour: $24
  • Dar Es Salam City: Children's Homes Visit & Donation Tour.: $24
  • Dar Es Salaam :City Historical & Sightseeing Guided Tour.: $24
  • City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $25
  • Dar es salaam City Guided Walking Tour Experience: $27
  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $30
  • Dar es Salaam Walking Tour: History and Hidden Treasures: $30
  • Dar Es Salaam Airport Layovers Guided Tour: $31
  • Dar es Salaam City Sightseeing And Discovery Guided Tour..: $34
  • Dar Es Salaam City Guided Sightseeing Tour By Car: $35
  • Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $35
  • Walking Tour Dar es Salaam City: $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

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


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.80
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.13

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
  • 2-Day Private Tour of Cairo with Accommodation and Entrance Fees: $165
  • 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
  • 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
  • 2-Days tour at Cairo & Giza: $80
  • 3-Day Private Tour in Cairo : $196
  • 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $26
  • 8-Hour Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara: $79
  • Alexandria day tour : $75
  • All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
  • All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $79
  • Antiquities in the Grande Egyptian Museum with Private Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.72
    Cairo $1.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $57


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

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 Cairo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Cairo?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Cairo, 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 Cairo?

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 Cairo in the Summer?

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

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. 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 less sunshine than Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam is cooler than Cairo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cairo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Cairo 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Cairo 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Cairo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Cairo averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Cairo 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Cairo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 221 hours of full sun.

In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Cairo. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Cairo 14°C (57°F)

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

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

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Cairo. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Cairo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cairo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Cairo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Cairo and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Cairo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)