Which place is cheaper, Darwin 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 Darwin?
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 Darwin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $139. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Darwin $12
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 Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- 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
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $33Darwin $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Darwin $15
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
- Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
- 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
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $151
- 1 Day Litchfield Waterfalls Tour: $107
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin: $232
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $91
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $100
- Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $77
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $111
- Darwin City Tour + Crocodile Cruise+Lunch Optional: $84
- Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Darwin, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Darwin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Darwin 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 Darwin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darwin 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 Darwin.
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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Darwin?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin 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, many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Darwinin January. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun.
Darwin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Darwin during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Darwinin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Darwin. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Darwinin July. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin 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, the spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Darwin. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Darwinin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.