A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Dakar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Dakar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Christchurch 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: Christchurch or Dakar?

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.


Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, 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 Christchurch and Dakar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $50
    Dakar $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $100
    Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Dakar

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch 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.

Hotels in Christchurch


Hotels in Dakar


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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $15
    Dakar $5.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29

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: $211
  • DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
  • Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
  • Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
  • Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Dakar?

Prices for flights to both Dakar and Christchurch 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
    Christchurch $31
    Dakar $20

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.
    Christchurch $18
    Dakar $14

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $63
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
  • Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114

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
  • Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
  • Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
  • Private City Tour: $109
  • Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
  • Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
  • Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
  • From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $138
  • Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
  • Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
  • Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Dakar $9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $102
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
  • Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Dakar, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Dakar?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Dakar?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Dakar in the Summer?

Both Dakar and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than Dakarin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Dakarin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F) 
    Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Dakar in the Autumn?

Both Dakar and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.

Christchurch is much colder than Dakar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Dakarin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in April than Dakarin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Dakar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Dakar. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Dakar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Dakar averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Dakarin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F) 
    Dakar 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Dakar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Dakar. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.

In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than Dakarin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 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 Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Dakarin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Dakarin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Dakar 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Dakar and Christchurch

Christchurch Dakar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)