Which place is cheaper, Hoi An 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 Hoi An?
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 Hoi An can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Hoi An?
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.
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesHoi An Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Hoi An $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Hoi An is $51. 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 Hoi An in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Hoi An $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Hoi An $40
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Hoi An
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Hoi An? 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 Hoi An Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Hoi An $18
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
- 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
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
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Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.34
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Hoi An?
Prices for flights to both Hoi An 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 $33Hoi An $16
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$13
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.79
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Hoi An $12
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Golf (for Two)$140
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Short Boat Ride$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip to GOLDEN BRIDGE & MY SON SANCTUARY from CHAN MAY orTIEN SA Port: $189
- Cruiseship Trip to My Son Sanctuary & GOLDEN BRIDGE from TIEN SA orCHAN MAY Port: $200
- Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
- Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
- Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
- Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180
- My Son - Hoi An Full Day Private Tour With Meals: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Hoi An $8.59
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Hoi An, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Hoi An is in Asia, 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 Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.
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 Hoi An Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Hoi An?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hoi An in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Hoi An. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An 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 Hoi An during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Hoi An 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hoi An in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Hoi An. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Hoi An 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hoi An in the Winter?
Both Hoi An 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. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Hoi An 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hoi An in the Spring?
Both Hoi An 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Hoi An 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Hoi An and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Hoi An | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.