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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Sao Paulo $58

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $58. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Sao Paulo $5.76

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
  • Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Sao Paulo -

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 Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
  • 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


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

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 Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo 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, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo 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. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Sao Paulo. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)