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 Ethiopia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ethiopia, 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.

Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia Prices

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

Addis Ababa $68

Dakar $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $68, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $61. 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 $44

Dakar $32
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $88

Dakar $64

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 $7.85

Dakar $5.32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

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

Short Taxi Ride

$0.53

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 Shuttles: On-Time & Reliable, Airport Transfers: $19
City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $21
City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa: $26
Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $260
Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209
Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $195
DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $119
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $81
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $72
Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $65
AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49

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 $18

Dakar $19

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

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

Slice of Cake

$0.12

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:

Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $70
Local Ethiopian Food Tour: $75
Food tours in Addis Ababa tastever with lunch: $108
Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer: $124
HALF DAY + DINNER Addis Ababa City Tour: $140
Half Day + Dinner Addis Ababa City Tour: $150
Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with transfers: $154
Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Coffee Ceremony at a Home in Addis Ababa: $168
Food Tour in Addis Ababa: $205
Food tours in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: $238

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

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

Breakfast

$4.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar

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

Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $105

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Addis Ababa $8.10

Dakar $13

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

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

Historical and sightseeing tour in Addis Ababa: $54
Addis Ababa City - Half Day Tour: $55
Addis Ababa highlight city tour: $56
4 Hour Addis Cuisine Tasting Tour: $57
Guided City Tour: $59
A guided tour of Addis Abeba that includes a city viewpoint: $59
Addis Ababa highlights of the city tour: $59
Half Day City Tour of Addis Ababa : $60
Addis Ababa city Tour: $60
Guided City Tour / Addis Ababa Guided City Tour: $62
Addis Ababa Guided City Tours: $62
Museums tour of Addis Ababa with coffee tasting: $62

Tours and Activities in Dakar

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

Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
2-day tour Lac rose- desert of Lompoul: $287
Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
Private City Tour: $108
Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $157
From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $137
From Dakar/Saly: Half-Day Bandia Wildlife Reserve Tour: $245
Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $108

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $6.69

Dakar $8.92

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
The Pub Crawl Royale: A Battle of the Best Drinks: $64
Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $69

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Addis Ababa and Dakar, we can see that Addis Ababa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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