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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or London?

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 London can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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.

  • Dar es Salaam Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    London $295

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in London is $295. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    London $171
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    London $342
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and London

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    London $35

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
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $25
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.76
  • Oyster Card
    $49
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
  • Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
  • Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
  • Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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 $33
    London $81

Typical Food Prices in London

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


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $18
  • Tea
    $8.18
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.66
  • Pastry
    $6.82
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

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

  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Tasting History: A Choose Your Own Menu Food Tour: $49
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • London Soho & Covent Garden Food Tour by Do Eat Better : $79
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Private South Indian Home Cooking Experience in Orpington: $105
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $115
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $117
  • Hungry for Soho: London's Finest Food Tour: $122
  • Eating London East End Food Tour: $122
  • London Cheese Chocolate and Christmas Lights Food Tour: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    London $44

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 London

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


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $113
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $47
  • London Pass
    $64
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • Experience Fitzrovia Comedy Club in London: $6.85
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • Londons Treasures Guided Tour of the British Museum: $103
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
  • 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour: $41
  • 2 Hour Private Rock & Roll Tour London: $295
  • 2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea : $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    London $21

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $16
  • London Pub Tour: $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail: $30
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Small Group Historical Pub Tour, Beer Included: $60
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Brixton Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Devour London Historical Pub Tour:Traditional British Food & Ales: $95


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

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 London Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than London. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or London in the Autumn?

Both London 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. Also, many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than London. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than London. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than London. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as London. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as London. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than London. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)