Which place is cheaper, Riga 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 Riga?
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 Riga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Riga?
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.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, and The Best Safaris in Tanzania.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesRiga Prices
Latvia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Riga $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Riga is $139. 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 Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Riga $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Riga $118
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Riga? 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 Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Riga $11
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
- Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
- Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $261
- Private Transfer: Ryga to Klaipeda via Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace: $260
- 4x4 Off-Road Adventure with Hotel Transfers: $258
- Riga Limo Airport Transfer: $180
- Riga Limo Airport Transfer: $173
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
- Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $163
- One way Riga to Vilnius Sightseeing Transfer: $145
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga 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 $31Riga $65
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 Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch$6.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $125
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $126
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Riga $16
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $20
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $38
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- 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
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bongoyo Island Full Day Tour from Dar Es Salaam: $120
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $125
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town: $103
- 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $88
- 5,5 Hour Small Group Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $87
- ATV Quad guided off road tour: $197
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $79
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $80
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $46
- Best of Riga Private Walking Tour: $477
- Bike Tour Riga Beyond Old Town Art Nouveau and Urban Culture: $35
- Bobsleigh - Truly Unique Winter Adventure!: $168
- Central Market Guided Tour with Food Tasting from Riga: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Riga $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Latvian Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting: $52
- Riga Nightlife Pub Crawl for Travelers Age 50 Plus: $52
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $74
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
- Shooting Range and Old Town Pub Crawl: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Riga, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Riga is in Europe, 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 Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Riga.
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 Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Riga?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Riga, 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 Riga?
Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?
Both Riga 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Riga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Riga averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Riga. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Riga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Riga. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Riga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Riga. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Riga in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Riga. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Riga in the Spring?
Both Riga 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, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Riga averages at about 5°C (42°F).
It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Riga. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.