Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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 Istanbul?
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 Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Istanbul $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $159. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Istanbul $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Istanbul $148
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Istanbul $35
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
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $104
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $249
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $297
- Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $268
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $186
- Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $175
- Istanbul Layover Tour –Private Guide & Airport / Port Transfers: $170
- Private Transfers Between Istanbul New Airport - Istanbul Far Anatolian Side: $166
- Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $157
- Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $31Istanbul $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $23
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
- Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Istanbul $39
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $36
- Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
- Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $81
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
- Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $125
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
- Jozani forest, Salaam Cave & The Rock Restaurant Tour in Zanzibar: $139
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Classic Wonders" Tour: $117
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $72
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $105
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide: $14
- 2 Hours Small Group Guided Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise: $33
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Istanbul $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $18
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Istanbul, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
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 Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Dar es Salaam during the summer 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 travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Istanbul. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.