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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro?

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.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Rio de Janeiro $115

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Rio de Janeiro $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro


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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
  • Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
  • Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
  • TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
  • Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
  • Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
  • TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
  • Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
  • Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
  • Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $34

Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.56
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.75
  • Hamburger
    $0.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
  • Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
  • Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
  • LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
  • Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
  • Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Rio de Janeiro $21

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 Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
  • A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
  • Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
  • 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
  • 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
  • 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
  • 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
  • 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Rio de Janeiro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
  • Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110


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

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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Rio de Janeiro. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro 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, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro 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, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)