Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dakar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dakar or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Rabat, 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 Rabat?
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.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDakar $61Rabat $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $44. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDakar $32Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDakar $64Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Rabat? 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: Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dakar $5.32Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $260
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $195
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $119
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $81
- Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $72
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $65
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $109
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $253
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $290
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $43
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $19Rabat $12
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$4.07
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: $105
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dakar $13Rabat $2.84
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: $287
- 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: $108
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $157
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $136
- From Dakar/Saly: Half-Day Bandia Wildlife Reserve Tour: $244
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $108
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $42
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $43
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $61
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
- Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDakar $8.92Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Rabat, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Dakar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dakar than you might in Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dakar Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dakar or Rabat?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Dakar during the summer 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 Rabat year-round.
Dakar usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the summer, Dakar often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDakar 28°C (82°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Dakar usually receives less rain than Rabat. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dakar is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDakar 28°C (82°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Rabat. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Dakar usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the winter, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Dakar is much warmer than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDakar 22°C (72°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than Rabat. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during spring. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Dakar is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDakar 21°C (70°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Dakar
| Dakar | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°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.