Should I Visit Addis Ababa or Dakar for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Dakar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Dakar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Dakar?

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.

Dakar

Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.

Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Addis Ababa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia Prices

Dakar Prices
Senegal Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Addis Ababa $28

Dakar $81

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $28, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $81. 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 Addis Ababa and Dakar in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Addis Ababa $15

Dakar $35
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $30

Dakar $70

Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Dakar

Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Dakar? 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: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Addis Ababa $2.76

Dakar $5.78

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:

Short Taxi Ride

$0.19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

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

4 Hours Addis Airport Transfer with Ethiopian Cultural Tour: $299
Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $29
Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $23
Addis Ababa Layover Tour: Mercato Market & Airport Transfer: $77
Airport Pickup and transfer: $18
Cultural Show and Jazz Night with Transfers: $44
Customizable Layover Tour with Transfers: $55
Golf Club Experience with Hotel Transfer: $100
Photography Tour with Guide & Transfer: $62
Private Tour with Local Guide and Transfers: $65
Bole Airport Transfer: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Transfer - DSS Airport Saint-Louis (One way): $281
Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $230
Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $230
Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $211
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $145
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $100
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $100
Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport to Hotel 1/3 people: $94
DSS Airport To Dakar Center Premium Private Transfer: $75
Dakar hotels to Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
DSS Airport to RIU Baobab Hotel – Premium Private Transfer: $71
Transfer - DSS Airport Dakar (One way): $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Dakar?

Prices for flights to both Dakar and Addis Ababa 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

Addis Ababa $11

Dakar $37

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

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

Slice of Cake

$0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

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

Authentic Ethiopian Cooking Class with a Local Host: $47
Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
Addis Ababa Food Tour: Ethiopian Cuisine, Coffee & Drinks: $50
Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $50
Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $50
Flavors of Ethiopia: Hands-On Cooking Class in Addis Ababa: $55
Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
Totot Cultural Feast & Rhythm Show With Dinner: $60
Addis Ababa Ethiopian Food Cooking Class and Kitchen Tour: $60
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting: $65
Addis Ababa Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $70
Ethiopian Cooking Class with Coffee Ceremony: $70

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:

Breakfast

$4.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar

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

Authentic Jollof Cooking Class: $99
Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $115

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Addis Ababa $2.85

Dakar $15

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

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

Addis Ababa City Tour & Coffee Ceremony with Shopping areas: $18
National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil: $28
Guided Walking Tour with Coffee & Food: $28
Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Tour: $30
Kebena to Entoto Green Corridor Discovery Tour: $30
Guided City Tour with Coffee Break & Entry fee: $30
Best Addis Ababa Half-Day Tour: $32
Premium Addis Ababa Piassa Walking Tour with Coffee Ceremony: $32
Mercato Market Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup: $32
Flexible City tour Museum's,other layover vist: $35
Red Terror Memorial Storytelling Experience: $35
Coffee Ceremony & Traditional Clothing Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $41
Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
Dakar Senegalese Culture and History 4 Hour Tour: $150
Dakar in 3h: Full tour by traditional fast coach: $35
Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
Private City Tour: $117
Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $33
Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
prepare the thieboudienne for the ultimate local experience: $55
private tour "move, eat, act like a local": $82
Day tour Somone lagoon and Bandia park Safari: $244
Day tour in Dakar museum and monument: $152

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $2.36

Dakar $9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

Pastry, Chocolate, and Wine Tour with Pickup: $60

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Dakar, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa 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 Dakar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dakar than you might in Addis Ababa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Dakar?

Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Dakar, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Addis Ababa vs. Dakar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons