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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Thessaloniki?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Thessaloniki?

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki Prices
    Greece Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dar es Salaam $493
    Thessaloniki $193

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is $193. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Thessaloniki $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Thessaloniki $186
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Thessaloniki

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


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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

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

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

  • Athens to/from Thessaloniki : Private Transfer: $1,006
  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $493
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $35
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $25

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

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $53
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $69
  • Guided Food Tour: $76
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local: $93
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $94
  • Kavala Food Tour and Cooking Workshop: $95
  • Get a Taste of Thessaloniki - Food Tour & Lunch: $103
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $104
  • Guided Walking and Food Tour with Drinks: $117
  • Thessaloniki Food Tour with a Local Chef: $129
  • Cooking & Wine Tasting with Dockside Views: $141
  • Cooking classes for Foodies, Discover Greek cuisine.: $158

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

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

  • Ancient Pella Tour: In the Footsteps of Alexander: $135
  • Best of Thessaloníki: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $92
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $188
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $113
  • Explore Kavala City with Eco Friendly Tuk Tuk Tour: $72
  • From City Tour and Archaelogical Museum: $47
  • From Guided Tour of The Land of Aristoteles: $70
  • From Halkidiki Blue Lagoon Pirate Boat Cruise: $75
  • From Sithonia Beaches and Scenic Villages Tour: $100
  • Kavala Fun Day Private Outdoor Experience: $167
  • Kavala: The Sacred Path of Apostle Paul Private Tour: $167
  • Meteora: 2-Days Train Tour from Thessaloniki - Local Agency: $197

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Thessaloniki $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • From Pella-Edessa-Naousa wine tasting: $76
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $89
  • Wine Tasting & Farm tour in Thessaloniki: $95
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $111
  • Northern Greece Wine Tasting Tour in Kavala: $155
  • Small Group Kavala Tour: Pangaion Mountain & Wine Tasting: $274


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

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 Thessaloniki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Thessaloniki?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Thessaloniki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

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

Both Thessaloniki 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, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Thessaloniki in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Thessaloniki 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, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 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 Thessaloniki. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)