Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai?
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.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesChiang Mai Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Chiang Mai $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $61. 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 Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Chiang Mai $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Chiang Mai $60
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai? 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 Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Chiang Mai $4.18
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
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $220
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Transfer to Houay Xay, Laos: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai 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 $33Chiang Mai $21
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Chiang Mai $14
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $81
- Chiang Mai Half Day Rice Planting and Cultural Experience: $51
- Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting): $57
- Doi suthep temple & Hidden temple half day private tour(5 hrs.) : $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge and Zipline Adventure Chiang Mai: $58
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $156
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province : $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $191
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $86
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $172
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Chiang Mai $7.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Chiang Mai, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Chiang Mai is in Asia, 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
Both Chiang Mai and Dar es Salaam during the autumn 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 Chiang Mai year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Dar es Salaam is cooler than Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.