Which place is cheaper, Helsinki 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 Helsinki?
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 Helsinki can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Helsinki?
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.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesHelsinki Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Helsinki $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $191. 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 Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Helsinki $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Helsinki $168
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Helsinki? 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 Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Helsinki $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $105
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Nordic Luxe: Private VIP Transfer Helsinki AIRPORT: $265
- The Executive Helsinki Transfer*****: $265
- Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $231
- Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $166
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Kotka Port: $166
- Private Airport Transfer by VIP car in Helsinki region: $158
- VIP Airport Transfer in Helsinki: $152
- Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Private Airport transfer with 1-Hour City Highlights: $114
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki 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 $31Helsinki $69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
- From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $171
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
- Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $235
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $270
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Helsinki $31
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 Tour: $120
- Car Tour to Mikumi National Park for You: $270
- 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 Full Day Adventure with Lunch: $180
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $106
- 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $94
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
- Allas Sea Pool Helsinki Sauna City Ticket Guide: $188
- Baltic Bites - Food & Island Experience in Helsinki: $117
- Best Helsinki Half Day Tour from Your Cruise Ship: $53
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42
- Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $100
- Deluxe Helsinki Shore Excursion from Cruise Ship Port: $117
- Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
- Electric Moto Adventure from Helsinki to Nuuksio National Park: $136
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Helsinki $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Helsinki, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Helsinki 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 Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki 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 Helsinki.
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 Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Helsinki?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Helsinki, 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 Helsinki?
Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Helsinki averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki 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 Helsinki during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Helsinki in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Helsinki. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Helsinki in the Winter?
Both Helsinki and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Helsinki in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Helsinki in the Spring?
Both Helsinki and Dar es Salaam during the spring 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, the natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Helsinki averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Helsinki. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.