Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Dakar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dakar or Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Brussels, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dakar or Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDakar $61Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $147. 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 Dakar and Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDakar $32Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDakar $64Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Brussels? 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: Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dakar $5.37Brussels $18
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $83
- Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $87
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $151
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $129
- Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $130
- Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $495
- Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $104
- Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
- Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $108
- Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels and Dakar 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 dayDakar $20Brussels $41
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$4.11
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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $30
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dakar $14Brussels $25
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
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.28
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.28
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.30
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDakar $9.00Brussels $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $18
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dakar is in Africa and Brussels is in Europe, 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Dakar Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dakar or Brussels?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Brussels, 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 Dakar or Brussels?
Brussels 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 Dakar or Brussels in the Summer?
Both Brussels and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Dakar is much warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dakar usually receives less rain than Brussels. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDakar 28°C (82°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Brussels in the Autumn?
Both Brussels and Dakar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Dakar is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dakar in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the autumn, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDakar 28°C (82°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Brussels in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Dakar is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 22°C (72°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Brussels. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDakar 22°C (72°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Brussels in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Brussels. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
Dakar is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the spring, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDakar 21°C (70°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Dakar
| Dakar | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 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.