Which place is cheaper, Petra 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.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Petra?
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 Petra can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Petra?
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.
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesPetra Prices
Jordan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Petra $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Petra is $153. 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 Petra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Petra $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Petra $118
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Petra
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Petra? 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.
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 Petra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Petra $23
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
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $105
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Petra?
Prices for flights to both Petra 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
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $31Petra $66
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Petra $47
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: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
- Visit Sinda island with Samrun Marine Tours: $50
- Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
- Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $65
- Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Private Dar es Salaam Experience: Culture & Local Life: $99
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
- Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
- Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
- Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Petra $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Petra, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Petra is in Middle East, 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
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 Petra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Petra?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Petra, 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 Petra?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Petra in the Summer?
Both Petra 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Petra receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Petra, 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 Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Petra receives 384 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. In July, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Petra. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Petra fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Petra 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Petra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Petra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Petra receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Petra during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Petra receives 295 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Petra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Petra fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Petra 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Petra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Petra. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Petra receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Petra receives 234 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Petra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Petra averages at about 15°C (59°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Petra 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Petra in the Spring?
Both Petra 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. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Petra. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Petra receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Petra. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Petra during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Petra receives 282 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Petra. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Petra fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Petra 25°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Petra and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Petra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.