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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Recife?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Recife?

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.

Recife

One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Recife 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 Recife is $209. 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 Recife in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Recife $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Recife $168
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Recife

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


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 Recife Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Recife $8.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111
  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50

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

Prices for flights to both Recife 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
    Recife $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Recife $11

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
  • Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Recife

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:

  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Recife -


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

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 Recife Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Recife?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Recife. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Recife, 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 Recife?

Recife 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 Recife in the Summer?

Both Recife 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. Also, many visitors come to Recife in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Recife. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Recife averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

In Recife, 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 Recifein January. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 246 hours of full sun.

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Recifein January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Recife receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the rainy season in Recife.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Recife 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Recife. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, most visitors come to Recife for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Recifein April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Recife fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Recife during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Recife receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Recifein April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Recife receives 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Recife 26°C (79°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Recife. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Recife because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Recife in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Recife fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

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 more sunshine than Recifein July. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 170 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Recife. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Recifein July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Recife receives 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August in Recife is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Recife 24°C (76°F)

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

Both Recife 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. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Recife this time of year.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Recife. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Recife averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Recife. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Recife during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Recifein October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Recife receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Recife is October to December.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Recife 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Recife and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Recife
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 338 mm (13.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 319 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 378 mm (14.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 388 mm (15.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)