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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Luxor?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Luxor?

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.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Dar es Salaam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $460, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $434
    Luxor $7.62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $868
    Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Luxor

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


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 Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Luxor $3.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Airport Transfer from JNIA Airport to Hotels in Dar essalaam: $55
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
  • Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Luxury Coach - Dar Es Salaam Airport Transfer to the City Centre/Out ( 22 max): $113
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $73
  • Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam Airport DAR to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Car: $167
  • Sunset Cruise - Magic of Zanzibar Sunset With Transfer - Zanzibar: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
  • One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
  • 2 Night Nile Cruise To Aswan With Transfer: $286
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
  • Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
  • Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
  • Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196

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

Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $18
    Luxor $5.83

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:

  • Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
  • Swahili food Cooking Experience: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Luxor $6.74

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $25
  • City Historical Walking Tour And Street Food.: $40
  • City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $40
  • Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $46
  • Dar es salaam City Tour & Storytelling: $72
  • Spice tour & Stone Town Zanzibar secrets with Lunch - Zanzibar: $75
  • City Tour: $77
  • Dar es salaam full City tour , unforgettable memory: $77
  • Tanzania Private Swahili culture experience: $80
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $85
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour Tanzania : $89
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $90

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
  • City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
  • Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
  • Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
  • Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
  • East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.66
    Luxor $2.26


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

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 Luxor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Luxor?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Luxor, 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 Luxor?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Luxor in the Summer?

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

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Luxor. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Luxor can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Luxor averages at about 33°C (91°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Luxor 33°C (91°F)

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

Both Luxor and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Luxor. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Luxor and Dar es Salaam during the winter 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 Luxor year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Luxor. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Luxor in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

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

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

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Luxor. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Luxor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)