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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Marseille?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Marseille?

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.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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
    Marseille Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $462
    Marseille $204

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $204. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Marseille $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Marseille $162
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Marseille

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


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Marseille $32

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

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


  • Metro Pass
    $3.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,280
  • Transfer (MRS) Marseille ⟺ Arles Cruise Port: $302
  • TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP PORT TO CASSIS: $302
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $290
  • Private Direct Transfer From Marseille to Nice: $290
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $290
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $284
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $273
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to the Village of Gordes: $267
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $256
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Arles: $255
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to St Rémy de Provence: $244

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

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille $84

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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Food Tour Marseille Local specialities only With a local: $74
  • Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $86
  • Marseille Old Town Food Tour: $97
  • Marseille Guided Food Tour with 10 Locals Favorites Tastings: $110
  • Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Marseille $43

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 Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Market & Kaole Ruins: $280
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Historical tour - Full Day. (Ivory and Slaves Trade): $280
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bongoyo Island Full Day Tour from Dar Es Salaam: $120
  • 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 City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $38

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Perfect Day of Discovery from the Cruise Port of Marseille: $78
  • Adventure route in Cassis - Via Corda Philémon: $87
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $640
  • Aubagne Audio guided walking tour 1h00 and 18 audio comments: $6.84
  • Beautiful boat tour in the Calanques with swimming: $92
  • Boat Tour in the Blue Coast Streams: $92
  • Calanques Panorama e-bike tour in Marseille - National Park: $80
  • Canyoning Tour from La Ciotat: $79
  • Cassis and Aix en Provence Sightseeing Tour from Marseille: $162
  • Chateau d'if sailing cruise, Friuli creeks & swimming: $92
  • Climbing Tour in Cassis: $80
  • Cruise Calanques National Park: $157

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Marseille $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Express Wine Tasting Experience in the Heart of Marseille: $50
  • Tailored Wine Tasting Experience in a Top Wine Shop: $84
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $174
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $184
  • From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $185
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $196
  • Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $209
  • From Marseille : Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol: $279
  • Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $407
  • Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,222


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

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 Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Marseille?

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

Marseille 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 Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Marseille. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Marseille. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Marseille. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

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

Both Marseille and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

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

Both Marseille and Dar es Salaam during the spring 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, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)