Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Dakar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Beijing or Dakar?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Dakar $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $63. 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 Beijing and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $40Dakar $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $80Dakar $66
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.86Dakar $5.53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.80
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Train from Airport for Two$7.04
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Taxi to Hotel$8.45
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2 Metro Passes$2.25
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Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $75
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $75
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $199
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $75
- Airport Transfer - Aéroport international Blaise Diagne to Dakar: $125
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $217
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $125
- DSS transfer - DAKAR (one way) : $51
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $85
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $85
- Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $212
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $212
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Dakar Airport DSS by Sedan, Minivan or Minibus: $83
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $20Dakar $20
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.84
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.04
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.82
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Watermelon$1.97
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $75
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Beijing Hutong Neighborhood: Food and Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $81
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
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Breakfast$4.23
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: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $25Dakar $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.45
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.85
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.99
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Earth ticket; Serene, Majestic, Ancient: $7.19
- Confucius Temple and the Impercial College E-ticket: $7.20
- Beijing：Jingshan Park (Palace Museum Garden) Ticket: $7.34
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Agent ticket booking service: Temple of heaven: $8.00
- Summer Palace Ticket Booking: $8.80
- Summer Palace Ticket: $8.80
- Summer Palace Tickets Booking: $9.00
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Beijing: $9.03
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $31
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $31
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $32
- Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $113
- Private City Tour: $114
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
- Dakar City Tour and Goree island (from 3 people): $136
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Day tour in Dakar museum and monument : $147
- Full-Day DAKAR city / GOREE Island Tour: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Dakar $9.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Dakar, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Dakar is in Africa, 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 Dakar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dakar 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Dakar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Dakar?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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.
When is the best time to visit Beijing or Dakar?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dakar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beijing or Dakar in the Summer?
Both Dakar and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Dakar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Dakar. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
In October, Beijing is generally much colder than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Dakar. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dakar. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Dakar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Dakar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Dakar in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Dakar. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Dakar. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
In the spring, Beijing is cooler than Dakar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Dakar averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Dakar. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets more rain in April than Dakar. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Beijing
| Beijing | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.