Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Rotorua?
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 Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- 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
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 dayDar es Salaam $33Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $181
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $204
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $208
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $225
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $228
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $585
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $177
- From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $103
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
-
Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Rotorua, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.
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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rotorua?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Rotoruain January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Rotorua. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Dar es Salaam during the spring 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.