Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesDakar Prices
Senegal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $31Dakar $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, 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 Cairo and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $10Dakar $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $20Dakar $70
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.53Dakar $5.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $80
- 1 way Private Pickup transfer from Le Meridien Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $18
- 2 Day Cairo Tour upon arrival day with airport transfer: $138
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free Transfer from Airport: $126
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour with Free Airport Transfers: $240
- 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
- 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
- 4 Hours Private Transfer in Cairo: $114
- 4 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free airport Transfers: $175
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $230
- Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $146
- DSS Airport Dakar Premium Private Transfer: $75
- DSS Airport Riu Baobab Hotel Premium Private Transfer: $75
- DSS Airport to Saly Private Transfer: $65
- Dakar hotels to Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $100
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $100
- Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $211
- Private Transfer, Airport, Hotels, Dakar, Saly and Surrounding Areas: $72
- Transfer - DSS Airport Dakar (One way): $70
- Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport to Hotel 1 3 persons: $81
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
-
Food Meals for one dayCairo $16Dakar $36
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
-
Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
-
Breakfast$4.40
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.Cairo $8.46Dakar $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.78
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.02
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Top Luxury PrivateTour Giza Pyramids,Grand Egyptian MuseumFelucca: $2.00
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $2.50
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $4.50
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- Chep Full Day tour Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Camel Ride &Quad Bike: $4.50
- Luxury Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum: $4.74
- Private Tour to Pyramids with Professional Photographer: $5.00
- Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
- Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis: $5.00
- Budget-Friendly Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour: $5.00
- Ancient Egypt Journey: Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur Private Experience: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dakar in 3h: Full tour by traditional fast coach: $30
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $41
- prepare the thieboudienne for the ultimate local experience: $55
- private tour "move, eat, act like a local": $82
- Quad tour of Somone Lagoon and Baobab Spider: $82
- Half Day Dakar City Tour (Minimum 2 Participants): $105
- From Dakar or Saly: Gorée Island Half-Day Private Tour: $108
- Private City Tour: $117
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $117
- Private Half Day Dakar City Tour Layover tour: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.37Dakar $9.64
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: $69
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).
-
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).
-
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).
-
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).
-
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.