Which place is cheaper, Aqaba 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 Aqaba?
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 Aqaba can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Aqaba?
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.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesAqaba Prices
Jordan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Aqaba $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Aqaba is $157. 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 Aqaba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Aqaba $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Aqaba $118
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Aqaba
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Aqaba? 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 Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Aqaba $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Aqaba?
Prices for flights to both Aqaba 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 $33Aqaba $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Aqaba $54
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
- Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Aqaba $9.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Aqaba, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Aqaba is in Middle East, 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Aqaba.
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 Aqaba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Aqaba?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Aqaba, 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 Aqaba?
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 Dar es Salaam or Aqaba in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Aqaba. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 384 hours of full sun.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Aqaba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Aqaba averages at about 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Aqaba 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Aqaba in the Autumn?
Both Aqaba and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 295 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Aqaba 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Aqaba in the Winter?
Both Aqaba and Dar es Salaam during the winter 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 234 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Aqaba in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Aqaba fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Aqaba 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Aqaba in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Aqaba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Aqaba during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 282 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Aqaba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Aqaba averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Aqaba 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Aqaba and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Aqaba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.