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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Kyoto?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Kyoto $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Kyoto

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


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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Kyoto $7.82

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 Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $132
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $115
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $108
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $83
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47

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

Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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
    Kyoto $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

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

  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $55
  • 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $75
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $75
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $76
  • Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $76
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $76
  • Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $83
  • Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
  • Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $89
  • Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Kyoto $13

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 Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $160
  • Kyoto Private Tour with National Licensed Guide : $240
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $59
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $139
  • Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $153
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people): $188
  • 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $103
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $35
  • 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $139
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Kyoto $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $42
  • Kyoto Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $65
  • Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit : $141


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

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 Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Kyoto?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Kyoto. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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 more sunshine than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Kyoto 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. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

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

Both Kyoto 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)