Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Zurich?
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 Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Zurich $364
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $364. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Zurich $197
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Zurich $394
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Zurich? 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.
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 Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Zurich $41
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- WEF DAVOS 2025 | TRANSFER TO/FROM ZURICH AIRPORT TO DAVOS: $754
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Grindelwald: $656
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Lauterbrunnen: $599
- Private transfer between Zurich Airport to/from Interlaken.: $566
- Transfer Zurich Airport to Basel: $539
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $478
- Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $478
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lech am Arlberg: $467
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $450
- Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $450
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $33Zurich $124
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10 Local Delicacies with Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Zurich $41
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 Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $114
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $160
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $103
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $84
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $96
- Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
- Christmas Walking Tour in Zürich: Exploring Holiday Charm: $51
- Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
- City e-bike tour: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Zurich $34
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Zurich, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Zurich much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Zurich 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 Zurich would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zurich 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 Zurich.
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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Zurich?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich 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, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In Zurich, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Zurich. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°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 Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich 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 travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 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 Zurich. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.