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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Meknes?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Meknes?

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.

Meknes

So you love a bustling nightlife with fine restaurants and meaningful historical buildings, but you hate all the tourists. Well, it maybe time to visit Meknes, Morocco. Since most travelers head straight to Fez, that leaves Meknes relatively untouched and remains free of the usual hassles that plague other major destinations.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Meknes 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 Meknes is $46. 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 Meknes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $434
    Meknes $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $868
    Meknes $52
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Meknes

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


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 Meknes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Meknes $1.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Meknes 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
    Meknes $14

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

Typical Food Prices in Meknes

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Meknes:


  • Popcorn
    $0.20
  • Spices
    $2.49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Meknes

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

  • Fes Medina :Grocery shopping & cooking Class with Fatima: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Meknes $3.55

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 City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $150
  • 3-Day Mikumi Safari Adventure: $634
  • 4-Day Gombe Chimpanzee Trekking tour.: $1,600
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $187
  • Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
  • City Tour in Dar es salaam, Tanzania: $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour. All Must See Things (Private Guide and car) Full day: $220
  • Dar Es Salaam Day Trip Tour: $388
  • Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $46
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

Tours and Activities in Meknes

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

  • Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
  • From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
  • From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.66
    Meknes $2.62

Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $4.58


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

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 Meknes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Meknes?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

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

Both Meknes 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. Plenty of visitors come to Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Meknes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Meknes during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Meknes. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Meknes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Meknes 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Meknes 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Meknes year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 227 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Meknes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Meknes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).


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

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

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

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Meknes during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Meknes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Meknes averages at about 12°C (54°F).


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

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

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

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Meknes. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Meknes. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 256 hours of full sun.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Meknes. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Meknes fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).


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

Typical Weather for Meknes and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Meknes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)