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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Boston?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Boston?

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston 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.

  • Dar es Salaam Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    Boston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Boston $291

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Boston

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


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 Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Boston $37

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 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
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $184
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer: Boston City to Boston Airport BOS in Luxury SUV: $142
  • Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Car Service: $140
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Boston Logan International Airport: Transfer to Boston: $120
  • Departure Transfer: Boston to Boston Airport BOS by Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston by Business Car: $118
  • Private Transfer from Boston City to Boston (BOS) Airport: $112
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Logan Airport: $99
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $85

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

Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $33
    Boston $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Boston Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $65
  • North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
  • Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston North End Food Tour: Small Group Tasting Adventure: $76
  • City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $89
  • Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Boston $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $26
  • Salem Witch Tour: $80
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston With *20+ Stops: $48
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $35
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $35
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA Tour from Boston: $49
  • 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • 2025 Halloween Party Cruises: $58
  • 80-Min Non-Stop Narrated Tour of Historic Boston & Freedom Trail: $38

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Bar Crawl Back Bay Beat Bar Craw: $15
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
  • Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75
  • Day Trip from Meadery Tour & Wine Tasting: $85
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


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

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 Boston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Boston?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Boston, 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 Boston?

Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Boston. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

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 Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

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

Both Boston 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 travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 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 Boston. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)