Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Playa del Carmen $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $95. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Playa del Carmen $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Playa del Carmen $76
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Playa del Carmen $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $105
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Van Transfer to Mahahual: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Bacalar: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Merida: $340
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox): $306
- Private Van Transfer to Valladolid: $306
- Private Van Transfer to El Cuyo: $300
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
- Private Transfer Open 4 - 12 hours Costa Mujeres to Cancun: $283
- Airport Transfers to Akumal - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $266
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park roundtrip, from Playa del Carmen: $260
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $31Playa del Carmen $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Dinner and Show at the Mayan Planetarium of Chichen: $39
- Christmas Eve Dinner in a magical jungle setting: $45
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes: $81
- local walking food tour Inlakech Playa del Carmen: $83
- Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- VIP Private Mystery Dinner Murder in the Jungle: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $89
- Mayan Ceremony in Tulum. Temazcal, Dinner and pick up included.: $92
- Mexican Cooking Class 1 or 3 Courses Tequila and Mezcal Tasting: $105
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Playa del Carmen $16
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
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $41
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $16
- 4 Casa Tortugas Cenotes Tour from Playa del Carmen: $142
- A Romantic Private Tour Through Playa Del Carmen: $1,843
- AQUA WONDER (Half-Day Aquatic Tour in Tulum with Snorkeling and Meals): $129
- ATV Adventure with Zipline and Cenote Experience: $92
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote From Playa del Carmen: $78
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
- ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen with Zip Lines: $71
- ATV Tour, Ziplines, Mayan Cenote, Tacos, Tequila and Transport: $35
- ATV tour, zipline and cenote From Playa del Carmen: $84
- ATV´s adventure, swim in Cenotes & visit to Tulum Site: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Playa del Carmen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.
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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally cooler than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Dar es Salaam during the winter 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, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Playa del Carmen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.