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

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Zadar?

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

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Zadar

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


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Zadar $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • 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
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Novalja: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Starigrad Paklenica: $194
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Cruise Port to Split Airport (SPU): $168

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

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Zadar $23

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
  • Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $65
  • Private Sunset tour with Antares Sailing : $107
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $42
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $181
  • 2 Hour Quad Buggy ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $116
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling: $38
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $238
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Zadar $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

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

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


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

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 Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Zadar?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

Zadar 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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Dar es Salaam during the summer 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, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Zadar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Zadar. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

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

Both Zadar and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Zadar. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)