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

Should you visit Dakar or San Diego?

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

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

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Dakar and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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: San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.37
    San Diego $24

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 San Diego

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego City by Business Car: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Departure Private Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $82
  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
  • Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
  • Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45
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 San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

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

  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
  • Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $14
    San Diego $48

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 San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
  • Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
  • Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
  • San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
  • Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
  • Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
  • San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
  • San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $9.00
    San Diego $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215


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


Which is Bigger, Dakar or San Diego?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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 San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the summer, Dakar often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Dakar or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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 San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during autumn. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dakar usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Dakar or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dakar as well as San Diego. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dakar is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the winter, Dakar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in January than San Diego. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Dakar or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego 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 beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the spring, Dakar is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during spring. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than San Diego. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Dakar

Dakar San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)