Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $447Cairo $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $447, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $17. 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 personDar es Salaam $422Cairo $9.27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $844Cairo $19
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.
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 $13Cairo $2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $74
- Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam Airport DAR to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Car: $167
- Private Transfer from Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) to Dar El Salaam: $74
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $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
- 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $268
- Cairo : Marvel the Camping in the White & Black Deserts & Cairo Private Transfer: $250
- Private 3 Days in Giza Cairo and Alexandria including Free airport transfers: $250
- 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to El Alamein: $238
- Transfer from Hurghada to Cairo by van : $235
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 dayDar es Salaam $18Cairo $4.70
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.
- Cairo Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Giza Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $10
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $11
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $11
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $13
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $13
- Private "Cairo Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile" with Pickup: $13
- Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $14
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $14
- Experience Magic A 4Star Cairo Dinner Cruise with Belly Dancer: $15
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $15
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Cairo $5.69
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 Tour : $38
- Dar es salaam Reality Tour: $51
- Spice tour & Stone Town Zanzibar secrets with Lunch - Zanzibar: $64
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $85
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $90
- Tanzania Private Swahili culture experience: $90
- Private Guided City And Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $95
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $117
- Mnemba island snorkeling tour: $120
- Private Tour in Historical Dar es Salaam with Lunch: $131
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$0.83
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Cairo Giza Highlights Guided Tour including Camel Ride All inclusive : $40
- 2-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza: $145
- 2-Days tour at Cairo & Giza: $80
- 3-Day Tour at Cairo & Giza : $200
- 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
- 3-Days Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo : $217
- 8 Hours Private Cairo Tour: A Journey Back in Time: $45
- 8-Hour Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara: $67
- All Inclusive Private Tour to Giza pyramids With Tickets and Camel Ride : $80
- Antiquities in the Egyptian Museum with Private Guided Tour : $35
- Bedouin Desert Safari Tours By Jeep 4x4 In Hurghada: $55
- Cairo 2-Day Private Tours Pyramids Museum Citadel Khan El Khalili With Lunch: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.44Cairo $1.16
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 JulyDar 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 OctoberDar 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 JanuaryDar 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 AprilDar 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) |
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.