A Travel Price Comparison for Tanzania Zanzibar vs. Dar es Salaam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?

Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Photography Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Camping Tours in Tanzania.


Which place is cheaper, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar?

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 Zanzibar is $60, while the average daily cost in Dar es Salaam is $435. 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 Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $23
    Dar es Salaam $410
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $46
    Dar es Salaam $820
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam

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


Hotels in Dar es Salaam


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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Dar es Salaam $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Bus Transfer service from anywhere in Zanzibar to airport: $322
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
  • Zanzibar : Private Prison Island half day tour with transfer: $160
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
  • Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
  • Zanzibar : Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
  • Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $110
  • Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $95
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $92
  • Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $92
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1 Day Classic Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
  • Airport Transfer from JNIA Airport to Hotels in Dar essalaam: $55
  • City Transfer Dar es salaam: $200
  • Classic Day trip: Train Transfer To Mikumi National Park: $315
  • Dar Es Salaam - Airport Transfers & City Centre Shuttles: $50
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer Services & Beyond: $68
  • 1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $356
  • 1 Day Mikumi Safari (SGR VIP Train Transfer): $400
  • Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
  • Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer with comfortable car: $192

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

Prices for flights to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar 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
    Zanzibar $27
    Dar es Salaam $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

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

  • Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
  • Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
  • Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
  • STONE TOWN: Visit Night Local Food Tour at Forodhani: $78
  • Village tour, Spice tour, Cooking class with Lunch in Zanzibar: $80
  • Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch: $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tanzania: traditional Swahili cooking class: $45
  • Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
  • Swahili food Cooking Experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Dar es Salaam -

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City Tour in Zanzibar : $33
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
  • Nakupenda Island Adventure Snorkeling & Lunch - Zanzibar: $67
  • Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
  • Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
  • Zanzibar : Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour: $87
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour : $124
  • 1 DAY TRIP ADVENTURE TO MIKUMI PARK FROM ZANZIBAR BY FLIGHT: $450
  • 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
  • 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
  • 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
  • 3 Hour Community Walking Tour: $20

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 Center: Walking Tour: $20
  • Dar es salaam City Guided Walking Tour Experience: $23
  • City Centre Exploration And Discovery Tours.: $28
  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $30
  • WOW AFRICA TANZANIA EAST AFRICA TOUR.: $35
  • Dar es Salaam City Sightseeing And Discovery Guided Tour..: $40
  • Dar es salaam City Guided Tour & Storytelling: $41
  • Dar Es Salam City: Children's Homes Visit & Donation Tour.: $41
  • Dar Es Salaam :City Historical & Sightseeing Guided Tour.: $41
  • City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $41
  • Guided Dar es salaam walking tours: $43
  • Walking Tour Dar es Salaam City: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.54
    Dar es Salaam $7.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

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

  • Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Dar es Salaam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, 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 Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam in the Summer?

Both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round.

Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dar es Salaam receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dar es Salaam receives 224 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Dar es Salaam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Dar es Salaam averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dar es Salaam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dar es Salaam during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Dar es Salaam receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Dar es Salaam. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Dar es Salaam fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year.

Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dar es Salaam receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dar es Salaam receives 236 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Dar es Salaam in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Dar es Salaam fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dar es Salaam receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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

In the spring, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Dar es Salaam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Dar es Salaam averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Dar es Salaam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)