Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Dakar?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, 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 Cairo and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.36Dakar $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.99Dakar $5.32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $16
- Cairo Airport Departure Transfer : $25
- Cairo Airport Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx With Transfers : $55
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private Transfer to Siwa Oasis from Cairo Going and Coming Back: $125
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $10
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $35
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $28
- 1 Way Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Le Meridien Heliopolis: $14
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Saly (One way): $66
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Palmarin/Ndangane (two directions): $174
- Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $204
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $204
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Dakar Airport DSS by Sedan, Minivan or Minibus: $80
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Cairo 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 dayCairo $4.75Dakar $19
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Night Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show on The Nile With Pickup: $8.00
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $15
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $18
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- Cairo Private Food Tour and Egyptian Tea: $22
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$4.07
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.75Dakar $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.26
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop : $4.70
- All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop in Cairo: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.11
- Entry Ticket to the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace : $5.38
- Wonder Tour To Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure Pyramids and Great Sphinx : $5.61
- Skip The Line To Coptic Museum of Cairo Entry Ticket: $5.83
- Skip The Line with Memphis Museum Entry Ticket: $6.67
- Private Tour Shopping in Cairo by Car and Guide: $7.00
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: $30
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $31
- Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
- Private City Tour: $108
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $137
- Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour : $142
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159
- Full-Day DAKAR city / GOREE Island Tour: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.17Dakar $8.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Dakar, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Dakar?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Dakar?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cairo or Dakar in the Summer?
Both Dakar and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Dakar. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Dakar during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun in the summer.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Dakar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Dakar. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Dakar. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than Dakar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Dakar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Cairo usually receives more rain than Dakar. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo is generally much colder than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Dakar. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Dakar. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the spring, Cairo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Dakar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Dakar fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Cairo
| Cairo | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 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.