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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Fortaleza?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Fortaleza?

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.

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, and The Best Eco Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza 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.

  • Dar es Salaam Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    Fortaleza Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Fortaleza $83

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Fortaleza is $83. 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 Fortaleza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Fortaleza $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Fortaleza

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


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 Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Fortaleza $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $268
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $128
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $120
  • Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $105
  • Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $90
  • Private Transfer from Praia das Fontes to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport : $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Praia das Fontes: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Beberibe: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Hotels to Fortaleza Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Carmel Charme Resort to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $86

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

Prices for flights to both Fortaleza 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 $33
    Fortaleza $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Fortaleza $15

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
  • Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
  • Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $178
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local: $31
  • Full Day Beach Tour In Cumbuco: $37
  • Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $61
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Fortaleza $9.58


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

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 Fortaleza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Fortaleza?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?

Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza in the Summer?

Both Fortaleza 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 visitors come to Fortaleza in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Fortaleza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. 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 Fortaleza during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Fortalezain January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Fortaleza is July to January. The rainy season in Fortaleza is January to July.


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

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

Both Fortaleza 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. Also, most visitors come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Fortalezain April. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 159 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Fortalezain April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Fortaleza in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Fortaleza during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 256 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Fortalezain July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. Also, January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Fortaleza. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Fortalezain October. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 287 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 Fortalezain October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Fortaleza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)