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

Should you visit Dakar or Sao Paulo?

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

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

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    Sao Paulo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.37
    Sao Paulo $5.96

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia Grande/Santos - Private Transfer: $63
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $125
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $77
  • Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $125
  • Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $123
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $197
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $181
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Viracopos Airport (VCP) x São Paulo City : $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $15
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $14
    Sao Paulo $4.08

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 Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
  • Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
  • Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $9.00
    Sao Paulo $3.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
  • Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150


When comparing the travel costs between Dakar and Sao Paulo, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dakar is in Africa and Sao Paulo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dakar Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dakar or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo 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.

In July, Dakar is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dakar usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.

Dakar is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

In October, Dakar usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin April. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Sao Paulo. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Dakar is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dakar in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

Dakar usually gets less rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.

In April, Dakar is generally around the same temperature as Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 21°C (70°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In April, Dakar usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Dakar

Dakar Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)