Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Sendai $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $122. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Sendai $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Sendai $112
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Sendai? 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 Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Sendai $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $249
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $104
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $31Sendai $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $124
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Sendai $17
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 (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $160
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
- Dar es Salaam City Tour Full Day Adventure with Lunch: $180
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $36
- Dar es Salaam City tour and Beach Leisure - 9 hours: $250
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $139
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $22
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Sendai $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Sendai, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Sendai is in Asia, 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 Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Sendai.
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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Sendai?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Sendai. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai 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, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sendai can be very cold during winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai 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 spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.