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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Ottawa?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second.  It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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 $460, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $132. 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 Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $422
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $844
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Ottawa

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


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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Ottawa $7.09

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: $35
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $247
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $105
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $119
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $223
  • Ottawa Train Station via Rail Transfer Service 1 Hour: $95
  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $55
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer: $51
  • Hand-Feed Wild Birds on a Nature Walk with Transfer: $42

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

Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $30
    Ottawa $29

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 Night Tour with Local Dinner and Private Transfers: $49
  • Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70
  • Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

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

  • Kids Cooking Class in Real Experience at Cookiddoo: $56
  • ByWard Market Chocolate Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy: $77
  • ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings: $84
  • Lower Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • Evening Byward Market Food Tour: $90
  • Local Market Food Tour - Downtown Ottawa: $92
  • Evening Ottawa ByWard Market Food Tour: $95
  • Ottawa - Byward Market Food Tour: $95
  • Ottawa - Taste of Canada Food Tour: $96
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $97
  • Ottawa Food Tour with ByWard Market Flavors & 6 Local Tastings: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Ottawa $39

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 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
  • Car Tour to Mikumi National Park for You: $270
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $160
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $162
  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour & 360 Degree Revolving Dining Experience: $99
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $20
  • Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $26
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with Rideau Canal Cruise: $58
  • ByWard Market Tour Timber Taverns and Tall Tales: $19
  • Chelsea: Guided Tour of the Distillerie du Square: $25
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $281
  • Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise: $128
  • Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $27
  • Hidden A Private Guided Walking Tour of Secret Spots: $583
  • Ottawa 200th Anniversary Guided Bike Tour: $49
  • Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.44
    Ottawa $18


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

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 Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Ottawa?

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

Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa 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 Ottawa during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

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

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

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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 Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

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

Both Ottawa 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, many travelers come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

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

Both Ottawa 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.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 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 Ottawa. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)