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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Reykjavik?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is $307. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Reykjavik $160
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Reykjavik $320
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Reykjavik

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


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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Reykjavik $52

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
  • 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
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer between KEF Airport & Reykjavik: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Ship Port to Keflavik Int. Airport : $270
  • Private Keflavik Airport Transfer (One Way): $270
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer between Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik: $267
  • Private Blue Lagoon Transfer in Iceland: $265
  • Keflavik Airport Premium Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $260
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Skarfabakki Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
  • Private Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $240
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik: $228
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon: $228
  • Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Int. Airport: $225
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik hotel /address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223

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

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $60

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Reykjavik $83

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 Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $34

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: $89
  • Small-Group Tour: Northern Lights with Photos & Hot Chocolate: $138
  • Winter South Coast Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik: $180
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $131
  • 1 hour Buggy adventure - From Reykjavik: $219
  • 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $151
  • 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun: $99
  • ATV - QUAD Adventure: $191
  • ATV Reykjavik Adventure: $165
  • Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $215
  • Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $93
  • Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Reykjavik $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
  • Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49


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

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 Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Reykjavik?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Reykjavik and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

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

Both Reykjavik and Dar es Salaam during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)