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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or San Diego?

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 San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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
    San Diego Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $462
    San Diego $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $251. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    San Diego $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    San Diego $248
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    San Diego $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $252
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • 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): $104
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
  • Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $269
  • Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $173
  • Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $160
  • Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $147
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • Departure Transfer San Diego City to San Diego Airport SAN: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $122
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $110
  • Private Transfer from San Diego (SAN) Airport to San Diego City: $85
  • Private Transfer from San Diego City to San Diego (SAN) Airport: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $31
    San Diego $84

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
  • Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98

Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
  • Tijuana Walking Street Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours: $79
  • Vegan Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
  • Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $89
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $94
  • Gaslamp District Food Tour with 6 Local Dishes: $96
  • San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings: $97
  • San Diego Chinese Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours: $99
  • Vegan Italian Cooking Class in San Diego Cucina Migrante: $105
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise with Drinks: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    San Diego $57

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour: $300
  • Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Market & Kaole Ruins: $280
  • Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Car Tour to Mikumi National Park for You: $270
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $160
  • Dar Es Salaam City tour: $161
  • Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
  • Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Polaris GoCar: $231
  • 2-Hour GoCar Tour: Downtown San Diego and Old Town or Beaches: $52
  • 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
  • 2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Adventure with Drinks: $119
  • 2Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
  • 2Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Old Town: $82
  • 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
  • Alpaca Experience in El Cajon California: $38
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Balboa Park Electric Scooter Tour with Pictures: $75
  • Beers, Tacos & Beach Cruisers: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    San Diego $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $20
  • Gaslamp Bar Crawl: $20
  • San Diego Haunted Pub Crawl: True Crime & Ghost Stories: $35
  • San Diego Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
  • Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • The most fun wine tour of the Guadalupe Valley: $120
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $129


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

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 San Diego Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or San Diego?

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

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as San Diego. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)