Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui?
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.
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesKoh Samui Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Koh Samui $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $79. 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 Koh Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Koh Samui $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Koh Samui $52
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui? 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 Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Koh Samui $19
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 Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $171
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $140
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $127
- Paradise Park Farm Entry Ticket with Transfer: $118
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $81
- Full Moon Party Entry Tickets & Round Trip Transfers: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $75
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport ( USM ) to Conrad Kohsamui : $55
- Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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 $33Koh Samui $39
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $122
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Koh Samui $12
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
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Madsum (Pig island) and Koh Tan Day Tour from Koh Samui: $101
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $99
- Koh Tan and Pig Island Half-Day Tour by Speed Catamaran : $64
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $46
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $83
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $50
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Tour In Koh Samui : $89
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $48
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $59
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $123
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Koh Samui $5.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Koh Samui, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
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 Koh Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Koh Samui, 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 Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui in the Summer?
Both Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samui. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Koh Samui. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Koh Samui in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Koh Samui. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Koh Samui. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.