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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Lucerne?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Lucerne?

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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lucerne 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 Lucerne is $303. 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 Lucerne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Lucerne $160
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Lucerne $320
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Lucerne

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


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 Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Lucerne $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $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
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne

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

  • Private Transfer to Geneva with Montreux Stop: $1,373
  • Lucerne to Zermatt: Private Day Trip or Transfer: $1,248
  • Lucerne to St. Moritz: Private Day Tour or Transfer: $1,098
  • Lucerne to Interlaken & Jungfrau Private Tour/Transfer: $562
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $325
  • Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver: $254
  • Private Transfer: Lucerne to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $206
  • Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $200
  • Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Zurich: $183
  • Private Transfer from Engelberg to Lucerne: $181
  • Private Transfer: Luzern Train Station to/from Luzern Hotel: $129
  • Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126

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

Prices for flights to both Lucerne 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
    Lucerne $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Lucerne $40

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour: $300
  • 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: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $160
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

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


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    $40
  • The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee
    $41

Tours and Activities in Lucerne

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

  • 4-day tour of the Swiss Alps & Jungfraujoch – Grand Panorama Bus Trip: $1,810
  • A Wonderful Private Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $1,180
  • Attraction Ticket: Mt. Titlis by Train from Lucerne: $273
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Lucerne: $161
  • Beverly Hills of Lucerne Tour: $226
  • CLOY Crash Landing On You Hanging Bridge Sigriswil Quick Tour: $133
  • Chocolate Tour from Luzern - Create Your Own Swiss Chocolate Bar: $190
  • City Tour Plus Lucerne by Etuktuk: $110
  • Early morning tour: $213
  • Essential Lucerne Orientation Walking Tour: $37
  • First Time Ski Experience at Mt. Titlis from Lucerne: $227
  • Fish and Grill - Private Fishing Adventure with BBQ Experience: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Lucerne $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne

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

  • Visit a microbrewery with a tasting: $149
  • Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $312
  • Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $323


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

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 Lucerne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Lucerne?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne 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, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Lucerne 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Lucerne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Lucerne. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 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 Lucerne. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Lucerne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)