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. 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 Luxor is $30. 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 $424
    Luxor $10
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Luxor $20
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 $5.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • 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
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $643
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus: $295
  • Private Transfer: From Luxor to Hurghada: $290
  • Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride and Transfer to Marsa Alam: $270
  • Private Transfer Luxor To El Gouna - Car And Minibus Options: $260
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Marsa Alam: $255
  • Private Luxor Transfer to Hurghada: $250
  • Private VIP Transfer from Marsa Alam to Luxor: $250
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Sahl Hasheesh - Car & Minibus Options: $249
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Makadi - Car And Minibus Options: $249
  • Private Car And Minibus Transfer Luxor City To Soma Bay: $249
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Marsa Alam: $245

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 $31
    Luxor $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

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

  • Experience Egyptian cooking at Luxor Farm: $10
  • Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $15
  • Sunset Felucca on the Nile in Luxor with Optional Lunch or Dinner: $20
  • Day Tour to Local Farm with Bread Making & Cooking Class: $25
  • Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
  • Sunset Dinner at a Traditional Egyptian House of Luxor: $45
  • Cooking Session with Family in Luxor with lunch: $50
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • 3-Hour Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $50
  • Private Luxor Temple Night Tour with Felucca Sunset & Dinner: $55
  • Sunset Felucca on the Nile in Luxor with Lunch or Dinner: $56
  • Day Tour to Farm Luxor with Bread Making & Cooking Class: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Luxor $9.45

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
  • Visit Sinda island with Samrun Marine Tours: $50
  • Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
  • Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $90
  • Jozani forest, Salaam Cave & The Rock Restaurant Tour in Zanzibar: $95
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109

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)
    $0.52
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.48
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.15

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • (2 nights / 3 days )Nile cruise from Luxor to aswan: $300
  • 2 Day Luxor Highlights Tour from Safaga to Luxor: $300
  • 2 Day Luxor Private Tour East and West Banks: $39
  • 2 Day Private Luxor Tour includes Balloon Ride Esna temple&other: $290
  • 2 Day Private Tour of Luxor: $220
  • 2 Day Trip West Bank & East Bank, Luxor Highlights Tours & Hotel: $210
  • 2 Day in Luxor tours: $336
  • 2 Days Luxor Tour Discover of the West Bank: $45
  • 2 Days Private Tour Karnak & Luxor Temples, and Luxor West bank: $101
  • 2 Days Private Tour luxor: $45
  • 2 Days Sightseeing Tour of Luxor Highlights: $140
  • 2 Days Tour to East and West Bank of Luxor City: $246

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Luxor $2.82


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)