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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Mumbai?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Mumbai?

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.

Mumbai

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai 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 $493, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $83. 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 Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Mumbai $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Mumbai $64
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Mumbai

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


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 Mumbai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Mumbai $7.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $168
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $168
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Int Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $162
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $102
  • Create Your Own: Custom Private Tour of Mumbai with transfers: $97
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $81
  • Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $69
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Business Car: $66
  • Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64

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

Prices for flights to both Mumbai 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 $33
    Mumbai $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

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

  • Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $29
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $31
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour: $42
  • Daily Mumbai Street Food Tour : $52
  • Private Mumbai Market Tour and Cooking Class With an Expert: $52
  • Private Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $53
  • Private Market Tour and Vegetarian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Mumbai $2.52

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
  • Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
  • Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • Dharavi Authentic Slum Tour: $120
  • Kanheri Caves Heritage Tour: $45
  • Mumbai by Night Guided Tour : $50
  • Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $41
  • "Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $46
  • "Private Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour": $9.24
  • "Private Mumbai Kanheri Caves Tour : A Buddhist Settlement": $46
  • 3 Day Private Tour in Aurangabad: $290
  • 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $46
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $226
  • 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $116
  • All In One Combo Tour of Mumbai City, Dabbawalas, Dhobhi Ghat, Slums & Bollywood: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Mumbai $3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
  • South Bombay Pub Crawl: $37


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

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 Mumbai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Mumbai?

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

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 Mumbai in the Summer?

Both Mumbai 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 Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dar es Salaam is cooler than Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Mumbai 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 Mumbai year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Mumbai, 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 Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

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

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

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai 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 Mumbai during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F)

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

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

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Mumbai and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Mumbai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)