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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Tartu?

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 Tartu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Tartu?

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.

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, and The Best Budget Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Tartu 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Tartu is $155. 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 Tartu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Tartu $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Tartu $110
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Tartu

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Tartu? 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 Tartu


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 Tartu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Tartu $32

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Tartu?

Prices for flights to both Tartu 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
    Tartu $76

Typical Food Prices in Tartu

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


  • Danishes
    $0.89
  • Lunch for Two
    $5.78
  • Ice Cream
    $1.49
  • Cookies
    $0.59
  • Coffee & Cake
    $4.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Tartu $19

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 Tartu

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


  • Art Museum ticket
    $1.12
  • Movie Ticket
    $4.07

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Tartu $18


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

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 Tartu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Tartu?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Tartu, 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 Tartu?

Tartu 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 Tartu in the Summer?

Both Tartu 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 visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Tartu. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Tartu fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Tartu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Tartu during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tartu receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Tartu 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tartu in the Autumn?

Both Tartu 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, most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tartu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Tartu fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tartu receives 86 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Tartu 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tartu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Tartu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tartu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Tartu averages at about -7°C (19°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tartu during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Tartu receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Tartu -7°C (19°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tartu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Tartu. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Tartu. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Tartu fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tartu receives 180 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 Tartu. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Tartu 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Tartu and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Tartu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)