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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Utrecht?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 $462, while the average daily cost in Utrecht is $255. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $424
    Utrecht $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $848
    Utrecht $234
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Utrecht

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


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 Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Utrecht $26

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
  • Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
  • Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
  • Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $105
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $130
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $110
  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $18

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

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Utrecht

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Utrecht.

  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Food Tour by Bike: enjoy 6 bites and cycle trough Utrecht: $81
  • Utrecht Food Tour: 7 food stops and a fantastic local guide: $81
  • Utrecht Bike & Bite: The Ultimate Local Food Tour with Guide: $84
  • Utrecht Walking Food Tour with 7 Gourmet Dishes & Local Guide: $84
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour with Full Lunch and 2 Drinks: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Utrecht $50

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

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

  • Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
  • Visit Sinda island with Samrun Marine Tours: $50
  • Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
  • Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $65
  • Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Private Dar es Salaam Experience: Culture & Local Life: $99
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $12
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $15
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $32
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $32
  • Discover the Dutch Countryside: Car Tour with Local Expert: $76
  • Escape Tours Utrecht; find the secret exit and win!: $35
  • Escape the City Game and City Walking Tour of Utrecht: $35
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $371
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $294
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $348
  • Our Utrecht's Private & Personalized tour: $343
  • Our Utrecht, Relaxed Tours with Passionate Locals.: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.48
    Utrecht $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Ultimate Leo’s Pub Crawl with Local Host & Shots: $36
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $47
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576


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

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 Utrecht Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Utrecht?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Dar es Salaam during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Utrecht in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Utrecht. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Utrecht averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Utrecht. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

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

Both Utrecht and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Utrecht in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Utrecht
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)