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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Faro?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Faro?

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 $462, while the average daily cost in Faro is $182. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Faro $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Faro $170
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Faro

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


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Faro $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $290
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Lisbon: $261
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $213
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sao Sebastiao: $212
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Quinta Falzina: $210
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vila do Bispo: $210
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sagres: $210
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Islantilla: $201
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Burgau: $198
  • Private transfers between Faro and Huelva: $185
  • Private transfers between Faro and Bordeira: $185
  • Private transfers between Faro and Aljezur: $185

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

Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $31
    Faro $71

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $114
  • Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Faro $11

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour: $300
  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Market & Kaole Ruins: $280
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Historical tour - Full Day. (Ivory and Slaves Trade): $280
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bongoyo Island Full Day Tour from Dar Es Salaam: $120
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $160
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $38

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $32
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour Fishermen's Route in Ria Formosa: $29
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $29
  • 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $75
  • 5-hour tour with 3 stops around the islands and beaches of Ria Formosa: $52
  • Algarve 4 by 4 Jeep Tour Experience Castro Marim and Cacela Velha: $80
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $68
  • Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: $1.14
  • Algarve and Tavira East Coast Private Tour From Faro: $232
  • Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $58
  • Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $58
  • Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Faro $3.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $23
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $29
  • Algarve Wine Tasting in Faro downtown: $52
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $87
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting& Tapas in the heart of Faro: $114


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

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 Faro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Faro?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Faro, 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 Faro?

Faro 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 Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

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

Both Faro and Dar es Salaam during the autumn 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 visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Faro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Faro. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Faro during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Faro. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)