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 $29

Dakar $81

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $29, 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 $16

Dakar $35
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $32

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 $2.81

Dakar $5.71

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:

Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $23
Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $23
City and Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa: $35
City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $40
Private Addis Ababa Airport Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Transfer - DSS Airport Saint-Louis (One way): $280
Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $230
Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $210
Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $206
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $145
DSS Airport Transfer Dakar (Return): $128
Airport Transfer Dakar DSS: $128
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $99
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $99
DSS Airport Dakar Premium Private Transfer: $75
DSS Airport Riu Baobab Hotel Premium Private Transfer: $75
Dakar hotels to Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) - Departure Private Transfer: $72

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 $36

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:

Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
Totot Cultural Feast & Rhythm Show With Dinner: $54
Flavors of Ethiopia: Hands-On Cooking Class in Addis Ababa: $55
Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
Addis Ababa Ethiopian cooking class Airport & hotel pick up: $68
Addis Ababa Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $70
Yod Abyssinia Cultural Night: Dinner, Music, and Dance: $70
Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $75
Food tours in Addis Ababa tastever with lunch: $76
Private City Tour with Folkloric Dinner: $77
Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch: $85

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

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

Breakfast

$4.37

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 $2.90

Dakar $14

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

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

Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Tour: $30
5 hours Addis Ababa Layover city tour: $36
Layover in Addis Ababa 5 hours tour: $38
Sightseeing Walking Tour: $40
Open-bus Tour and Cycling: $41
Local Food Open Market, City Tours & More.: $42
4 Hours Addis Ababa Cultural Discovery Tour: $42
Merkato Addis Ababa Guided Tour: $42
Mercato Market Guided Tour with Coffee Tasting: $43
Best of Addis Ababa Tour: $45
Addis Ababa DayTours with Hotel/Airport pick up and drop off: $45
Entoto hill and Mercato Market layover tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Dakar

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

2 days tour Pink lake- desert of Lompoul 2 people minimum: $257
Dakar City Tour – Markets, Highlights & Local Guide: $140
Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
Dakar Senegalese Culture and History 4 Hour Tour: $120
Dakar in 3h: Full tour by traditional fast coach: $30
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

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $2.40

Dakar $9.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ): $58
Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $65

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