Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington?
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 Wellington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Wellington?
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.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesWellington Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Wellington $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $124. 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Wellington $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Wellington? 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 Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Wellington $12
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
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
- WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
- Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
- Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
- Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $33Wellington $51
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Wellington $16
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
- Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
- Craft beers & car museum - Half Day Tour incl beverage samples: $99
- Craft beers & car museums - Full Day Tour incl beverage samples: $168
- Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour : $53
- From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $108
- From Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour: $289
- From Martinborough Winery Tour: $111
- From Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Tour: $127
- Full Day Guided Wellington Tour including Cable Car: $150
- Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $177
- Full Day Tour of Wellington: $177
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Wellington $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
- Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Wellington, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Wellington is in Pacific, 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 Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.
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 Wellington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Wellington?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Wellington, 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 Wellington?
Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wellington this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Wellington in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Wellington. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°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 Wellingtonin April. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Wellington in the Winter?
Both Wellington 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, many travelers come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Wellington in the Spring?
Both Wellington 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 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 Wellingtonin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.