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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Tallinn?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Tallinn?

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.

Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. It has a population of more than 430,000 people and is a charming, yet cosmopolitan place to visit. The Old Town is at the center of the city's tourism, and the beauty and architecture is very impressive. The city's close proximity to Helsinki makes it a popular day trip from Finland, but cheap plane flights have also encouraged visitors from around Europe to spend several days in this city. In particular, summer months can become quite crowded.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Tallinn 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 Tallinn is $142. 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 Tallinn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Tallinn $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Tallinn $110
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Tallinn

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


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 Tallinn Hotel Prices.

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tallinn

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tallinn:


  • Tram Around Town for Two
    $1.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tallinn

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

  • From Helicopter transfer to Helsinki: $2,902
  • Private Shore Excursion: Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour with Round-Trip Transfer: $299
  • Tallinn Limo Airport Transfer: $162
  • Tallinn Arrival Private Airport Transfer in Minivan: $129
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Tallinn Airport/Port to Tallinn : $100
  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer from Tallinn City / Tallinn Airport: $100
  • Beginner Archery Class with Transfer: $88
  • Tallinn Return Airport Transfers: $79
  • Tallinn Highlights Shore Excursion With Port Return Transfer: $71
  • Highlights Shore Excursion with Return Transfer: $65
  • Talinn Airport and City Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer: $47

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

Prices for flights to both Tallinn 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
    Tallinn $73

Typical Food Prices in Tallinn

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $9.01
  • Dessert
    $1.35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tallinn

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

  • Tallinn old town: Estonian Cuisine Cooking Class: $81
  • Estonian cuisine Cooking Class: $83
  • Tallinn 3-Hour Estonian Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Tallinn $6.60

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 Tallinn

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

  • Old Town Walking Tour and Two Cathedrals: $47
  • 1-Hour Good Morning Tallinn Running Tour: $18
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn: $54
  • 2-hour private tour of Tallinn with transport: $298
  • 5 Hour Majestic Tallinn Tour from Cruise Port: $50
  • 5-Hour Tallinn Tour for Cruise Passengers: $49
  • Aegna Island: Self-Guided Discovery Tour: $9.37
  • Alcohol Tasting Tour In Tallinn: $71
  • All inclusive Tallinn Food and Bike tour: $93
  • Audio Tour of the Toompea Hill (Cathedral Hill) in Tallinn: $8.20
  • Best Tallinn Shore Excursion from Cruise Port: $54
  • Best of Tallinn 2-Hour Bike Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Tallinn $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallinn

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

  • Telliskivi Bar Crawl with games, drinks, discounts: $19
  • Old Town Bar Crawl - Shots, Games, Deals & Club: $21
  • Bar Crawl with Shots, Beer, and Nightclub Entry: $23
  • Tallinn Exclusive Pub & Bar Crawl - Free Drink, Local Guide: $46
  • Tallinn Brewery Fiesta: $79
  • Old Town Walking Tour, Pub Crawl and Accommodation in Tallinn : $119


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

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 Tallinn Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Tallinn?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Tallinn, 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 Tallinn?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Tallinn averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Tallinn during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tallinn receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Tallinn 17°C (62°F)

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

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

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Tallinn. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Tallinn fluctuates around 7°C (44°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 Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallinn receives 92 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Tallinn 7°C (44°F)

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

Both Tallinn 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 Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Tallinn can be very cold during winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tallinn in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Tallinn fluctuates around -5°C (22°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tallinn during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Tallinn receives 25 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Tallinn -5°C (22°F)

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

Both Tallinn 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Tallinn averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallinn receives 186 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 Tallinn. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Tallinn 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Tallinn and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Tallinn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -5°C (22°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -6°C (22°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)