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

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.

Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dakar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Dakar Prices
Senegal Prices

Rabat Prices
Morocco Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dakar $73

Rabat $53

The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $73, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $53. 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

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dakar $31

Rabat $27
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dakar $62

Rabat $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

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dakar $5.16

Rabat $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $203
Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $190
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $148
Airport Transfer - Aéroport international Blaise Diagne to Dakar: $116
DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $116
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $90
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $90
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Saly Zone (two directions): $77
Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $63
DSS transfer - DAKAR (one way) : $48

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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

Taxi to Sale

$3.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

"Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $140
Best Private Transfer services: Rabat to Fez : $91
One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $191
Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $15
Private Transfer From Rabat to Casablanca : $54
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $264
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $254
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $264
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $106
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $247
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $190
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $74

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

Food Meals for one day

Dakar $33

Rabat $21

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

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

Breakfast

$3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $48
Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat old medina : $50
Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $66
Rabat Family Cooking Class: $69
Walking Food Tour: $73
“Flavors of Morocco: Authentic Cooking Class Experience”: $74
Cooking Class in a Family Home: $75
Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $103
Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $105
Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dakar $13

Rabat $2.83

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 days tour Pink lake- desert of Lompoul 2 people minimum : $232
Bandia Reserve and Somone Lagoon Day Tour: $235
Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
Dakar City Tour and Goree island (from 3 people): $127
Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
Private City Tour: $108
Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $29
Private custom tour with a local guide: $29
discover the magic of this city on our guided tour: $31
Day Tour Bandia Wildlife Reserve and pink lake : $293
Day tour in Dakar museum and monument : $137

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: $25
Walking Tour Rabat, City of lights by night : $30
Private Half-Day Exploration Tour of Rabat in a Green Taxi: $32
private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $42
Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $49
Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $52
Rabat Shopping Tour: $53
Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $53
Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $60
Rabat Guided Biking Tour: $60
Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $60
Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Dakar $8.66

Rabat -

How are these travel costs calculated?

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).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Dakar 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).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Dakar 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).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Dakar 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).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Dakar 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)

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

Should you visit Dakar or Rabat?

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

Where Should I go: Dakar or Rabat?

Dakar

Rabat

Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dakar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dakar and Rabat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Rabat?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dakar or Rabat?

When is the best time to visit Dakar or Rabat?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Summer?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Autumn?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Winter?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Rabat and Dakar

Related Articles for Rabat

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

Should you visit Dakar or Rabat?

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

Where Should I go: Dakar or Rabat?

Dakar

Rabat

Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dakar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dakar and Rabat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Rabat?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dakar or Rabat?

When is the best time to visit Dakar or Rabat?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Summer?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Autumn?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Winter?

Should I visit Dakar or Rabat in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Rabat and Dakar

Related Articles for Rabat

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