Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Rotterdam $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $224. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Rotterdam $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Rotterdam $180
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Rotterdam $31
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport): $296
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $286
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $286
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $278
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $278
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $269
- Private transfer: Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in The Hague: $267
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $267
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $265
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Leiden: $262
- Private Direct Transfer From Rotterdam to Vlissingen cruise port: $230
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $226
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $33Rotterdam $109
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $81
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
- Rotterdam City Center Food Tour: $89
- Food Tour by Bike: $105
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $131
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Rotterdam $37
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Unique Bike Adventure Gouda: cheese, snacks, drinks and lunch!: $83
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $195
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $165
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Best of small-group walking tour: $106
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $113
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $59
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.94
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.40
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Rotterdam, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.
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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam 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. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.