Should I Visit Dakar or Havana for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Dakar or Havana?

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

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

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.

Which place is cheaper, Havana or Dakar?

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

Dakar Prices
Senegal Prices

Havana Prices
Cuba Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dakar $61

Havana $65

The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dakar $32

Havana $40
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dakar $64

Havana $80

Compare Hotels in Dakar and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Havana? 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.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dakar $5.37

Havana $19

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 Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:

Short Taxi Ride

$0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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

Havana $10

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 Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:

Pizza

$0.03

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dakar $14

Havana $11

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

Dakar $9.00

Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:

Mojito

$0.15

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Dakar and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dakar is in Africa and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dakar Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dakar or Havana?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Dakar or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Dakar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Havana. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Dakar is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dakar is a little warmer than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Havana. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Dakar is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dakar in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Dakar 22°C (72°F)

Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Havana. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Dakar is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Dakar 21°C (70°F)

Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Dakar

	Dakar		Havana
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	21°C (70°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	23°C (73°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	24°C (75°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
May	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	26°C (79°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun	26°C (79°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	27°C (81°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul	28°C (82°F)	50 mm (2 in)	27°C (81°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Aug	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	27°C (81°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	26°C (79°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct	28°C (82°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	25°C (77°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	23°C (73°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec	24°C (75°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	22°C (72°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)

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