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

Should you visit Dakar or Edinburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Dakar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $178. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    Edinburgh $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    Edinburgh $186
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Edinburgh

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Edinburgh? 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 Dakar


Hotels in Edinburgh


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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.37
    Edinburgh $21

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:


  • Local Bus
    $4.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Edinburgh City, St'Andrews etc.: $113
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $135
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Car: $163
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Van: $163
  • Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $135
  • Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $163
  • Arrival Transfer Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Minivan: $96
  • Central Edinburgh Hotels to Edinburgh Airport Transfers 1-3: $256
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Kinbuck - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Kinbuck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Edinburgh?

Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dakar $20
    Edinburgh $49
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

Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $11
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $19
  • Sandwich
    $2.32
  • Cheese & bread
    $9.07
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $31
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    $7.28
  • Turkish Delight
    $1.76
  • Soup at the Pub
    $7.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $88
  • Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
  • Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
  • Edinburgh Food Tour: $100
  • 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
  • Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $121
  • The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $162
  • Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $14
    Edinburgh $25

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    $40
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    $15
  • Donation for Storytellers
    $7.53

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.77
  • Edinburgh Stand Up Comedy Ticket Show in Scotland: $5.08
  • Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.37
  • Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.38
  • Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.60
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
  • Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.20
  • Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
  • Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $8.02

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $9.00
    Edinburgh $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    $18
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    $2.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

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

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
  • Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
  • East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
  • Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
  • Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
  • Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
  • Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
  • Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
  • The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dakar or Edinburgh?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Edinburgh. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dakar is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the summer, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dakar is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dakar usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Dakar during the winter 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 Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Dakar is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the winter, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dakar is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Dakar

Dakar Edinburgh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)