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

Should you visit Dakar or Reykjavik?

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

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

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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

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


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is $246. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    Reykjavik $139
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    Reykjavik $278
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.37
    Reykjavik $46

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
  • Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
  • Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
  • Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $185
  • Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $45
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
  • Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
  • From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $30
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 Reykjavik

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


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $178

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

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

  • Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $124
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
  • Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $14
    Reykjavik $72

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 Reykjavik

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


  • Art Museum
    $11
  • Wine and Spa
    $29

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
  • Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $9.00
    Reykjavik $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $8.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Dakar or Reykjavik?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Reykjavik. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

Dakar is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Reykjavik. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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 travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Dakar is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dakar in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dakar usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dakar is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 22°C (72°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the winter, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Dakar is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Dakar

Dakar Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)