Should I Visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

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.

Rabat

While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.

Which place is cheaper, Rabat 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.

Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania Prices

Rabat Prices
Morocco Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dar es Salaam $482

Rabat $52

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $482, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $52. 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 Rabat in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dar es Salaam $442

Rabat $27
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dar es Salaam $884

Rabat $54

Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Rabat? 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 Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dar es Salaam $14

Rabat $2.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $400
1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $380
1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $356
1 Day Classic Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
Classic Day trip: Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam to Dar es Salaam Airport 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:

Taxi to Sale

$3.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

Private Transfer from Rabat to Tanger-Ibn Batouta (TNG) Airport: $296
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tanger: $296
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $279
Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $272
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $261
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $251
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $244
Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $237
Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $220
One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $189
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $188
Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $182

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

Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $32

Rabat $21

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:

Taste of Tanzania Cooking Class and Food Tour: $20
Tanzania: traditional Swahili cooking class: $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $47
Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat old medina : $50
Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class: $62
cooking classe near the medina of rabat with local chefs : $63
Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $65
Rabat Family Cooking Class: $68
Walking Food Tour: $73
Cooking Class in a Family Home: $75
Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $102
Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $103
Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dar es Salaam -

Rabat $2.82

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): $155
1 Night Mikumi Adventure safari From Dar es Salaam: $390
1-Day experience safari to Mikumi from Dar-es-Salaam by car: $320
2 Days 1 Night Amazing Maasai Tour & Mikumi National Park: $400
2-Days adventure to Mikumi by luxury train from Dar-es-Salam: $380
2-Days safari adventure to Mikumi N. Park from Dar-es-Salaam: $380
3 Days 2 nights safari Mikumi adventure: $550
3 Days Camping Experience Safari: mikumi national Park: $449
3 Days Camping adventure: mikumi national Park: $450
3-Day Mikumi Adventure Safari: $650
3-Day Mikumi Safari Adventure: $611
3-Days adventure from Dar-es-Salaam to Mikumi National Park: $430

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $42
“Unveiling An Immersive walking Tour History and Culture”: $63
Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
Car tour in Rabat: $44
Casablanca: Marrakech 6-Day Tour Via Chefchaouen and Desert: $883
Exclusive Luxe Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $70
Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $60
From Casablanca: 15-Day Guided Tour of Morocco: $2,600
From Casablanca: 5-Day Private Desert Adventure to Marrakech: $1,387
From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $720
From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $101

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Dar es Salaam $7.80

Rabat -

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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 Rabat Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Rabat, 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 Rabat?

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 Rabat in the Summer?

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

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)

Rabat 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Rabat 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 Rabat year-round.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Rabat, 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 Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)

Rabat 20°C (67°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Rabat 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 Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 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 Rabat during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)

Rabat 13°C (56°F)

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

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

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)

Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Dar es Salaam

	Dar es Salaam		Rabat
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	28°C (82°F)	78 mm (3.1 in)	13°C (56°F)	81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb	28°C (82°F)	52 mm (2 in)	14°C (57°F)	74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar	28°C (83°F)	131 mm (5.2 in)	15°C (59°F)	61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr	27°C (81°F)	269 mm (10.6 in)	16°C (60°F)	62 mm (2.4 in)
May	26°C (78°F)	176 mm (6.9 in)	18°C (64°F)	25 mm (1 in)
Jun	24°C (76°F)	42 mm (1.7 in)	20°C (69°F)	7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul	25°C (77°F)	31 mm (1.2 in)	23°C (73°F)	1 mm (0 in)
Aug	24°C (75°F)	27 mm (1.1 in)	23°C (73°F)	1 mm (0 in)
Sep	25°C (76°F)	28 mm (1.1 in)	22°C (72°F)	6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct	25°C (78°F)	66 mm (2.6 in)	20°C (67°F)	44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov	27°C (80°F)	132 mm (5.2 in)	16°C (62°F)	97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec	27°C (81°F)	116 mm (4.6 in)	14°C (57°F)	102 mm (4 in)

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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

Dar es Salaam

Rabat

Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dar es Salaam?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rabat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

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

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Rabat and Dar es Salaam

Related Articles for Dar es Salaam

Related Articles for Rabat

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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

Dar es Salaam

Rabat

Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dar es Salaam?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rabat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Rabat?

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

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Rabat and Dar es Salaam

Related Articles for Dar es Salaam

Related Articles for Rabat

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