Which place is cheaper, Chicago 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Chicago?
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 Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Chicago?
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.
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Chicago $198
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Chicago? 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 Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Chicago $37
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 Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $104
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $252
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
-
Parking$19
-
Taxi Ride$10
-
Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Group Van Transfers from Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports: $300
- SUV transfer from downtown Chicago to O'hare or Midway Airport: $260
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD & MDW to Downtown Chicago: $260
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $249
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $249
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago 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 $31Chicago $85
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:
- Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70
- Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
-
Dinner for 1$24
-
Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Pizza Walking or Bus Tour: $59
- Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa: $59
- City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $63
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise: $74
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Immersive Potsticker Cooking Class in Chicago: $75
- Chicago Loop Food Walk: Pizza, Dogs & Local Flavor: $77
- Friday Night Pizza Crawl - River North, Chicago: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Chicago $47
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: $38
- Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $65
- 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
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $125
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
-
Aquarium for 4$118
-
Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
-
IMAX Movie for Two$35
-
Shakespeare Play (2)$116
-
Art Institute (2)$36
-
U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Bridgeport /Stockyard Chicago Tour: $45
- 2 Hour Bronzeville, Chicago Tour: $45
- 2 Hour Chicago Landmarks & Lakefront E-Bike Tour: $72
- 2 Hour Chicago Pier Fireworks & Evening Segway Tour: $78
- 2 Hour Pilsen and Little Village, Chicago Tour: $45
- 2 Hour Private Chicago Soul House Tour: $65
- 2 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $89
- 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour: $64
- 2-Hour Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour: $84
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Astounding Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
- Burlesque Peep Show Ticket in Chicago: $32
- Burning Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago to Milwaukee: 1-Day City Highlights w/Miller Brewery: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Chicago, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Chicago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Chicago is in North America, 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 Chicago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chicago 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 Chicago.
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 Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Chicago, 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 Chicago?
Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Chicago. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. 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 Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago 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. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago 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. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Chicago. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
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.