With our Dar es Salaam travel cost guide you'll get a better idea of how much your trip may cost and how to plan your budget wisely. This Dar es Salaam trip cost calculator is based on average expenses from thousands of past travelers, including hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing expenses, and transportation information. Dar es Salaam is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, so don't miss out because you didn't plan a proper budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Dar es Salaam?
A typical traveler spends $462 (TZS1,216,131) per day on a trip to Dar es Salaam. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Dar es Salaam based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (TZS80,383) on meals
- $13 (TZS34,359) on local transportation
- $848 (TZS2,230,686) on hotels
A one-week trip to Dar es Salaam for two people costs, on average, $6,470 (TZS17,025,834). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$3,235
TZS8,512,917
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$6,470
TZS17,025,834
-
One Month
Per person
$13,864
TZS36,483,930
-
One Week
For a couple
$6,470
TZS17,025,834
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$12,940
TZS34,051,668
-
One Month
For a couple
$27,728
TZS72,967,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dar es Salaam cost?
A one week trip to Dar es Salaam usually costs around $3,235 (TZS8,512,917) for one person and $6,470 (TZS17,025,834) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dar es Salaam on average costs around $6,470 (TZS17,025,834) for one person and $12,940 (TZS34,051,668) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dar es Salaam will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dar es Salaam on average costs around $13,864 (TZS36,483,930) for one person and $27,728 (TZS72,967,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dar es Salaam expensive to visit?
In Dar es Salaam, budget travelers spend $155 (TZS408,808) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $462 (TZS1,216,131) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,574 (TZS4,143,090) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Dar es Salaam can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Africa, Dar es Salaam is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Africa for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Dar es Salaam in the region, such as Cape Town.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dar es Salaam?
The average Dar es Salaam trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dar es Salaam travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dar es Salaam cost?
Dar es Salaam on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$139
(TZS366,743)
|
$424
(TZS1,115,343)
|
$1,481
(TZS3,897,451)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(TZS12,969)
|
$13
(TZS34,359)
|
$36
(TZS95,719)
|
|
Food2
|
$12
(TZS32,356)
|
$31
(TZS80,383)
|
$74
(TZS194,554)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-11
(TZS9,844-29,531)
|
$4-11
(TZS9,844-29,531)
|
$4-11
(TZS9,844-29,531)
|
Accommodation Budget in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $48, but during peak season, they can average $90. Prices range from $24 to $198, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dar es Salaam for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $848 (TZS2,230,686). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $424 (TZS1,115,343) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dar es Salaam include:
- Urban by CityBlue Hotel, Dar es Salaam starting at $152
- Best Western Jangwani Sea Breeze Hotel starting at $55
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Courtyard starting at $102
- Element Dar es Salaam starting at $143
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Dar es Salaam
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (TZS34,359) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dar es Salaam. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dar es Salaam is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
TZS34,359
Tanzania's main airport is located in Dar es Salaam about 10 kilometers from the city center. It is now called Julius Nyerere International Airport, though it was formerly known as Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere International Airport and Dar es Salaam International Airport. Most large hotels offer a pick-up and drop-off service upon request. International flights include:
Europe: Turkish Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Swiss International Airlines
Middle East & Asia: Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Egypt Air
Africa: South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Mozambique Airlines, and many others
North Americans and Europeans can obtain tourist visas upon landing in Dar es Salaam at a cost of $50 USD. The cost for U.S. passport holders, however, is $100 USD. Visas can also be obtained before arrival from the Tanzanian High Commission/Embassy.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel for $60 details
- Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train for $55 details
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar for $60 details
How much does it cost to go to Dar es Salaam? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dar es Salaam will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dar es Salaam
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Dar es Salaam can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dar es Salaam is $31 (TZS80,383) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
TZS80,383
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dar es Salaam is around $31 (TZS80383) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $74. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dar es Salaam are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Tanzanian cuisine is unique and widely varied, though coastal areas like Dar es Salaam commonly favor spicy foods and dishes that use coconut milk. One popular dish is nyama choma or roasted meat, usually goat (sometimes beef or chicken) and served with a few chilies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Also common is mishkaki, the Tanzanian version of skewered meat. The meat, usually beef or chicken, is first marinated in some spices and some tomato sauce (depending on the recipe). It is then cooked on a bed of hot coals, and served with hot chili and lime juice.
Since a large proportion of Indians have migrated into Tanzania, a considerable proportion of Tanzanian cuisine has also been influenced by Indian cuisine. As a result, many Indian restaurants can be found throughout Dar es Salaam. Perhaps most significant of the city's cultural fusion is a dish called Zanzibari Mix-a combination of Indian, Arab, and African flavors into a comforting dish of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce. A good example of this dish can be found at Mama Mumtaz restaurant in Kariakoo market. Street coffee and locally brewed beer are also great items to sample.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in Dar es Salaam, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers for $70 details
Nightlife Budget in Dar es Salaam
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.48 (TZS19,688) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dar es Salaam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.48
TZS19,688
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Travel cost data last updated: May 29, 2026
Traveling in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is divided into three municipal districts. Temeke, the largest of the three, is situated in the south. This is the more rural area of Dar city, closer to the beaches and with far less infrastructure. Kinondonu in the north is home to most of the more expensive suburban areas in the city. The embassies, newer restaurants, shopping and food areas and the more boutique styled hotels can be found here. Llala or ‘downtown' is the central district, which has all the commerce, banking and trade, along with the bigger hotel chains. It also encompasses the port and ferry areas as well as the main markets. One of the busiest markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market. It is a great place to encounter the bustle of an authentic Tanzanian shopping experience. A wide range of local crafts, food, and souvenirs can be found here, but the crowds also make it a frequent place of pickpockets so be aware of your belongings. Haggling is expected, so make sure to brush up on your bargaining to get the best deals.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Dar es Salaam cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Dar es Salaam on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $155 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Dar es Salaam, like The Slow Leopard Hostel and JJ&JE Family House. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Dar es Salaam. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $462 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $1,574 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Explore Dar es Salaam: Full-Day Private City Tour - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
