Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur?
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 Kuala Lumpur can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur?
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.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesKuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Kuala Lumpur $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $83. 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 Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Kuala Lumpur $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Kuala Lumpur $82
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur? 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 Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Kuala Lumpur $7.21
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 Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.57
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.76
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Short Taxi Ride$3.57
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Taxi From Airport$21
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Bus from Airport$1.90
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island Transfer [Car]: $266
- Cameron Highlands Transfer Private (Per Vehicle): $260
- Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $240
- Private Transfer from Shah Alam city to Malacca Cruise Port: $239
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Johor Bharu: $237
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $234
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur 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 $33Kuala Lumpur $29
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$9.51
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.42
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
- Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Kuala Lumpur $15
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 Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$11
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.19
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
- Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Kuala Lumpur $6.58
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.
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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?
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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 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 Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 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 Kuala Lumpur during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.