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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Havana?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, and The Best Safaris in Tanzania.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Havana

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


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Havana $19

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

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

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $18

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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

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 Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Havana?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Havana. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Havana. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Havana 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 Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Havana. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Havana 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 Havana year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Havana 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 Havana. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)