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

Should you visit Dakar or Zurich?

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

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

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.

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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 Zurich is $271. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    Zurich $171
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.37
    Zurich $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

  • AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
  • Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
  • Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
  • DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
  • Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
  • Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes E Class 3pax: $122
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
  • Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $608
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
  • Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
  • EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $377
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $317
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
  • From Rafting in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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
    Zurich $62
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 Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $14
    Zurich $36

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $31
  • Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
  • Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
  • Private City Tour: $109
  • Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
  • Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
  • Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
  • From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $138
  • Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
  • Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
  • Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
  • Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $9.00
    Zurich $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $33
  • Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155


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


Which is Bigger, Dakar or Zurich?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dakar usually receives less rain than Zurich. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Zurich. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dakar is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the autumn, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Dakar is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Zurich. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Dakar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the spring, Dakar is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the spring, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Dakar

Dakar Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)