Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Dakar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dakar or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDakar $61Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDakar $32Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDakar $64Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Malaga? 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: Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dakar $5.37Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $46
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $57
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $44
- Malaga Airport to Granada Hotel or Family House in Private Transfer: $189
Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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 $20Malaga $37
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 Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dakar $14Malaga $33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.61
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Concert$33
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
- Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
- Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDakar $9.00Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dakar or Malaga?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
Malaga 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 Malaga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dakar usually receives more rain than Malaga. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDakar 28°C (82°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Malaga. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Dakar is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the autumn, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDakar 28°C (82°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Dakar is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Malaga. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDakar 22°C (72°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Dakar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the spring, Dakar is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the spring, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDakar 21°C (70°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Dakar
| Dakar | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (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.