Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Dakar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dakar or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDakar $61Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDakar $32Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDakar $64Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Rotterdam? 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dakar $5.37Rotterdam $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) to Rotterdam- Round-Trip Transfer: $131
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $98
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $20Rotterdam $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dakar $14Rotterdam $34
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
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.08
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.27
- Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.31
- Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDakar $9.00Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dakar or Rotterdam?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam 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. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dakar is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the summer, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDakar 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Dakar is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dakar usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDakar 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Rotterdam. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Dakar is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dakar in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the winter, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Dakar usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDakar 22°C (72°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Dakar or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In April, Dakar is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDakar 21°C (70°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Dakar
| Dakar | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.