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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Malaga?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Malaga?

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.

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga 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
    Malaga Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $462
    Malaga $188

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $188. 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 Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Malaga $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Malaga $170
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Malaga

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


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 Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Malaga $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
  • Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP): Private Transfer to Granada city: $422
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Tarifa: $311
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Granada: $309
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to El Faro: $298
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Las Chapas: $286
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cancelada - Arrival Private Transfer: $277
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport AGP to Seville Cruise Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Malaga city hotels to Seville Cruise Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Pizarra: $277
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algarrobo: $275
  • Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Ronda: $268
  • Private Transfer from Club La Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $252

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

Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
    Malaga $69

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:

  • Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $34
  • Dinner for 2
    $50
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Authentic Flamenco Dinner Show at Restaurant VinoMio: $17
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $37
  • Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $75
  • Japanese cooking class Sushi: $76
  • Malaga -Italian cooking class : La domenica italiana: $76
  • Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $77
  • Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $77
  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $81
  • Food Tour with Local Guide, Tapas, and Drinks: $83
  • Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $86
  • Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $87
  • Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Malaga $35

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $20
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $38
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • 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
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bongoyo Island Full Day Tour from Dar Es Salaam: $120
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $125
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    $8.10
  • Concert
    $35

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • 1,5 hour Segway Tour of Málaga: $45
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $174
  • 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga.: $151
  • 2-Hour Ronda Walking Tour: $93
  • 3 Hour BMW GS Motorbike Tour: $145
  • 3 Hours Guided Buggy Safari Adventure in the Mountains of Mijas: $220
  • 3 Hours Mountain Bike Cycling Guided Tour in Costa del Sol: $116
  • 3-Hours Catamaran Tour in Malaga with Paella: $52
  • 3-hour guided quad/ATV adventure in Mijas, Málaga: $209
  • Alcazaba Málaga : Ticket + Self-Guided Tour created by Guía Oficial: $21
  • Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $21
  • Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour. Skip The Line: $291

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Malaga $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness: $14
  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $19
  • Bodegas Quitapenas: Guided Visit + Wine Tasting: $22
  • Visit the Oldest Winery of Malaga and Wine Tasting: $23
  • Torremolinos Gay Pub Crawl & Nightclub Experience: $35
  • Conrad Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting in Ronda: $41
  • C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $68
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $70
  • Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $72
  • Malaga Food & Wine Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $75
  • Flamenco, Tapas, and Wine Tour: $104
  • White Village, Vineyard, and Wine Tasting Wine Tour: $105


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

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 Malaga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Malaga?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Malaga, 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 Malaga?

Malaga 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 Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Dar es Salaam during the summer 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, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga 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 Malaga during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Malaga. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

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

Both Malaga and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Malaga. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)