Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Canberra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Canberra or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Canberra or Dakar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Canberra or Dakar?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCanberra $135Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, 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 Canberra and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCanberra $83Dakar $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCanberra $166Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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: Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Canberra $25Dakar $5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Canberra 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 dayCanberra $35Dakar $20
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$17
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
-
Breakfast$4.11
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Canberra $17Dakar $14
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $39
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $40
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
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: $290
- 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: $109
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $138
- From Dakar/Saly: Half-Day Bandia Wildlife Reserve Tour: $247
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCanberra $16Dakar $9.00
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
-
Drinks at a Bar$9.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Dakar, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Canberra or Dakar?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Dakar?
Canberra 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 Canberra or Dakar in the Summer?
Both Dakar and Canberra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
In January, Canberra is generally cooler than Dakarin July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Canberra usually gets more rain in January than Dakarin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCanberra 20°C (68°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Dakar in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Dakar. Many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Canberra is much colder than Dakar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Canberra usually receives more rain than Dakarin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCanberra 17°C (63°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Dakar in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Dakar. Most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
In the winter, Canberra is much colder than Dakar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Dakar averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.
Canberra usually gets more rain in July than Dakarin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCanberra 11°C (52°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Dakar in the Spring?
Both Dakar and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Canberra is generally cooler than Dakarin April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Dakarin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCanberra 15°C (60°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Canberra
| Canberra | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.