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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $93. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Koh Phi Phi $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Koh Phi Phi $98
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi


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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Koh Phi Phi $7.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Dar es salaam Half Day Tour With Transfers: $59
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • Phuket Phi phi Maya Bay Khai Island Diving Transfer & Buffet: $89
  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $79
  • Koh Phi Phi to Krabi VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $47
  • Smooth Round Trip Ferry Transfer from Krabi to Phi Phi Island: $38
  • Krabi to Phi Phi Island Scenic Round Trip Ferry Transfer Service: $34
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
  • Phi Phi Island to Phuket Speedboat Transfer: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $31
    Koh Phi Phi $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.84
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $10
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.45
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $12
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Koh Phi Phi $51

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
  • 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 City tour: $164
  • 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: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $28
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.21

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $210
  • Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour: $110
  • Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $136
  • Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $48
  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $150
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $24
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Tour with Maya Bay By Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $15
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
  • Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $127
  • Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $79
  • Phang-Nga Bay Exclusive Private Speedboat Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Koh Phi Phi $6.37

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $15
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.14


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

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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 2700 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)