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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rome?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 $458, while the average daily cost in Rome is $240. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $420
    Rome $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $840
    Rome $210
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rome

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


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Rome $25

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
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $51
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $251
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.32
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $52
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Transfer from Rome Hotel to Civitavecchia Cruise Port and vice versa: $296
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia 4 people: $296
  • Transfer from Rome FIUMICINO AIRPORT to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $296
  • Private transfer from Civitavecchia Port to Rome City: $296
  • Transfer from Fiumicino/Ciampino/Rome to Civitavecchia Port: $295
  • Private Express Tour of Roman Catacombs with Transfer: $295
  • Transfers from Civitavecchia to Fiumicino/Rome: $290
  • Private Luxury Transfer to the Famous Points of Rome center: $287
  • Private transfer from the port to Fiumicino airport: $284
  • Civitavecchia Cruise Port Round Trip Private Luxury Transfer Rome: $281
  • Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Chianciano - Arrival Private Transfer: $278
  • Civitavecchia port transfer to Rome or Fiumicino and vice versa: $277

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

Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $30
    Rome $97

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 Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.47
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.64
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.08
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $37
  • Cheese and bread
    $12
  • Espresso
    $2.32
  • Dinner
    $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
  • Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*: $37
  • Pizza Cooking Class in Rome City Center with Drinks: $45
  • Rome in the Evening Bike / E-Bike Tour with optional Dinner: $46
  • Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $46
  • Rome Ultimate Food Tour Trastevere Tiber Island & Campo de' Fiori: $46
  • Rome Pizza Making Class for Families in Trastevere: $46
  • Rome Testaccio Market Food Tour - Eat Like a Local: $46
  • The Original Fettuccine & Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome: $50
  • Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $51
  • Cooking Class 2 Hour Spanish Steps - Fettucine and Tiramisù: $53
  • Flavors and Sights of Trastevere Guided Street Food Tour in Rome: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Rome $42

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 Walking Tour Old Town, History and Hidden Gems: $15
  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $41
  • Private Dar es salaam City Tour: History,Culture & Local Life: $85
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour & 360 Degree Revolving Dining Experience: $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
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $80
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $35
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $87

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • "Rome of the Popes" E-bike Tour with Guide for Small Groups: $85
  • "Villa Borghese" Rome tour with high quality electric bicycle!: $70
  • 1 Hour Electric Golf Cart Rome highlights Tour: $41
  • 1 Hour Rome Iconic Sights Golf Cart Tour: $41
  • 1 hour Little Ancient Tour of Rome by Mini Vintage Cabriolet with Cappuccino: $166
  • 1-hour Private Photography Experience in Rome: $178
  • 10 kilometer Running Experience in Rome: $83
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto: $41
  • 2.5 Hours Private Tour in Rome on a Vintage Fiat 500 open cabrio: $188
  • 2h30 Tour of Rome Cathedral and Holy Stairs: $113
  • 3 Hour Private Tour Wonders of Rome by Golf Car with Pick up: $117
  • 3 Hours Rome Tour by Golf Car: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.42
    Rome $21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.55
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.36
  • Beer
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $33
  • Discover Frascati Wine Tasting with a Sommelier and Snacks: $36
  • Wine Tasting and Food Pairing with gelato in Trastevere: $42
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
  • Vatican Wine Tasting: Italian Wines & Food with a Sommelier: $47
  • Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $50
  • EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $53
  • Rome Wine Tasting in Monte dei Cocci | Authentic Lazio Wines: $58
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $58
  • Burlesque lessons with the best Italian stars: $59
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
  • Rome Bar Crawl: Interactive Night Tour with Games and Karaoke: $77


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

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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rome?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Rome, 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 Rome?

Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?

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

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. 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 less sunshine than Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Rome 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 Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Rome during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

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

Both Rome 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 Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

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

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

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 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 Rome. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)