Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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 PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Saint Thomas $37
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
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $33Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Saint Thomas $60
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
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Saint Thomas, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas.
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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Dar es Salaam during the autumn 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.