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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Tokyo?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Tokyo

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


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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Tokyo $18

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 Tokyo

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

  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
  • Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
  • Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
  • Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $287
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport (NRT) : $284
  • Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $274
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $270
  • Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $261
  • Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253

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

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $67

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
  • Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
  • Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
  • Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
  • Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
  • [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Tokyo $71

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 Tokyo

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

  • 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $104
  • Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $104
  • Can Am Ryker Cruising in Asakusa Adventure: $243
  • Futakotamagawa Suburban Gems Private Tour in Tokyo: $83
  • Join Tokyo Art Class Experience Publicly: $125
  • Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $115
  • Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
  • Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
  • Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $104
  • Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $278
  • Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $188
  • “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
  • Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243


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

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 Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo 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, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

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

Both Tokyo 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Tokyo. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Tokyo. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)