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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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.

  • Dar es Salaam Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    San Francisco Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    San Francisco $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    San Francisco $16

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 San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $432
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • San Francisco Airport SFO to Oakland -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $268
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $245
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tour : $200
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Car: $185
  • California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $180
  • California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $180
  • San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $180
  • Private Airport Transfer From San Francisco Union Square To SFO: $180
  • Private Transfer from San Francisco (SFO) Airport to San Francisco City: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
    San Francisco $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

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

  • Online Cooking Class Pepper Steak Great for Team Building: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
  • No Diet Club - Best street food tour in San Francisco !: $64
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
  • North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour: $84
  • San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
  • Mission District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $89
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $92
  • Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 Food Tour - Includes Full Meal, 3 hrs: $99
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    San Francisco $31

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 San Francisco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.

  • Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour Small-Group Half Day: $84
  • North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor: $86
  • Private Luxury Car Tour in San Francisco Hotel Kabuki: $99
  • Small Group | 1 Day Tour Through Monterey From San Francisco: $205
  • "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
  • 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
  • 3-Hour Beyond the Bridge Buggy Tour to Sausalito : $279
  • 30-40 Minute Airplane San Francisco Bay Flight Tour: $289
  • 3HR Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: $229
  • 4-Hour Painted Ladies and Haight-Ashbury GoCar Tour: $269
  • A Sip and Paint Experience in San Francisco: $89
  • Airplane San Francisco Sunset Flight Tour: $299

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $17
  • Ultimate San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $44
  • Local Distillery Cocktail Class: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
  • From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
  • 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $130
  • Small Group Napa and Sonoma Full-Day Wine Tour from San Francisco: $132


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

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 San Francisco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or San Francisco?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco 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, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco 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. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as San Francisco. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)